Many farms have their own water supply which is abstracted from a natural source and used as a cost-effective alternative to the mains supply. Water abstraction refers to the process of taking water from a surface or underground source such as boreholes, rivers, streams, drains, reservoirs, lakes, ponds, canals, springs, tidal waters and estuaries. It does not include seawater abstraction, or water from isolated sources that has no outlet to another water source or connection to groundwater.
If you plan to take more than 20 cubic metres (20,000 litres) a day, from one, or across multiple sources, you are likely to need an abstraction licence from the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales. If you abstract water without the required licence, enforcement action may be taken.
Types of abstraction licence
- Full – to abstract over 20m³ per day.
- Transfer – to move over 20m³ of water a day for less than 28 consecutive days.
- Impounding licence – to create or modify an impoundment structure (weir, dam, or sluice)
Applying for a licence
- Before applying for an abstraction licence, you need to assess the likelihood of being granted one by checking the water availability status in your catchment and the local licencing strategy.
- If you are planning on abstracting water from a river there may be a requirement to ensure safe passage for eels which also needs to be checked.
- You will also need to apply for consent to investigate your source, which allows the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales to view the source and complete water surveys.
- Applying for an abstraction licence is a form-based activity that may also require additional information such as water meter readings.
The licence itself will vary from farm to farm, in duration and terms. Charges are also dependent on application and typically a yearly fee called a subsistence charge is also involved. Once the application is submitted it may take up to four months to receive an outcome.
Compliance & breaches
If approved, you must comply with the requirements of your water abstraction licence which includes:
- Site inspections – these are carried out to check compliance with licence conditions. The frequency of inspection is determined by the potential risk for damage to the environment or where there is a poor compliance history.
- Measurement of water abstraction – most licences require you to accurately measure and report the quantity of water you abstract.
- Submit abstraction returns – your abstraction licence will tell you how often you need to record the amount of water you abstract.
If you commit an offence or breach your licence conditions, the Environment Agency or Natural Resources Wales may take enforcement action.
Enforcement options include:
- Criminal sanctions – warnings, formal cautions, and prosecution, with fines up to £20,000
- Civil sanctions
For further information on applying for a water abstraction license visit:
Apply for a water abstraction or impounding licence – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) or Natural Resources Wales / Apply for a water abstraction or impoundment licence
