Erlaubnis für die Entnahme von Grundwasser beantragen

If you wish to extract groundwater, you can apply for a permit under water law from the relevant water authority.

If you want to extract large quantities of groundwater, you need a permit under water law. You can apply for this from the responsible authority. They will examine your application and decide whether you will be granted a permit.

The permit specifies the type and extent of use. It may be subject to conditions and ancillary provisions. In contrast to an authorization, a permit can be revoked by the authorities. There is no legal entitlement to the use of groundwater.

You do not need a permit under water law if you only extract groundwater to a small extent and without any adverse effects on the water balance, for example for

• your own household,
• watering your garden,
• for farm operations,
• watering livestock or
• the drainage of land.

The documents you need for your application vary depending on the type and scope of your project. In a preliminary discussion with the responsible water authority, you can clarify which documents are required in your case.

As a rule, several or all of the following documents are required:

• Explanatory report
• Overview site plan as a topographical map in which the existing or planned facility is shown in color
• Current cadastral site plan in which the existing or planned installation is shown in color
• Information on the type of installation
• schematic representation of the facility in plan and section
• accompanying nature conservation planning, including entry in the compensation area register for new facilities
• if applicable: technical contribution to the Water Framework Directive

• Certificate of competence

• Groundwater and the public water supply are not endangered by your use.
• Your project does not fall under public use, for which you do not need to apply for a permit under water law.

You can apply for a permit from your local water authority. The general procedure is as follows:

• Send your application for a permit with the required documents to the competent water authority.
• The competent water authority
  • checks that your application and documents are complete and contacts you if any information or documents are missing,
  • examines your application from a water management and water law perspective and, if necessary, involves other authorities.
• You will receive
  • a permit or
  • a notice of rejection
• You will also receive a fee notice.
• You pay the fee.

There is no statutory deadline. Apply for the permit in good time before starting your project.

Contradiction

• Withdrawal of groundwater Permit
• A permit under water law must be applied for from the competent authority for the extraction of large quantities of groundwater
• Prerequisite: No harmful, unavoidable or uncompensatable changes to water bodies are to be expected as a result of the project
• Any necessary documents:
  • Explanatory report
  • Overview site plan as a topographical map with color coding of the existing or planned facility
  • Current cadastral site plan with color coding of the existing or planned facility
  • Information on the type of installation
  • schematic representation of the facility in plan and section
  • Accompanying nature conservation planning, including entry in the compensation area register for new facilities
  • Technical contribution to the Water Framework Directive
• Application is subject to a fee
• Responsible: competent authority of the respective federal state

Please contact the responsible Structural and Approval Directorate North or South.