Groundwater extraction
Do you extract groundwater from a well or spring? If you extract more than 10 m³ per hour, you must report this or apply for a permit. Do you extract a maximum of 10 m³ of groundwater per hour? Then you only have a duty of care. Unless the water is used as drinking water, in which case you must also report this.
Who is required to report groundwater extraction?
- Do you extract more than 10 m³ of groundwater per hour from a well or spring? If so, you must report this.
- You must also report this if you extract more than 5,000 m³ of groundwater per quarter.
- And if you extract more than 10 m3 per day and use the water as drinking water or for food preparation.
Who must apply for a groundwater extraction permit?
- You extract more than 80 m³ of groundwater per hour.
- You extract more than 10 m3 per hour for longer than six months.
You need an additional permit if you are going to dig, excavate, or otherwise work in the ground within the restricted area of a flood defense or primary waterway.
How does it work?
Want to submit a report or apply for a permit online?
How does the procedure work?
- Have you submitted a report? You will normally receive our decision within two weeks, but no later than four weeks.
- Have you applied for a permit? You will receive our decision within 6 weeks of your application, but no later than 8 weeks. If public consultation is required, you will receive our decision no later than 6 months after your application. You will receive a separate notification about this.
Would you like to know more?
The rules for digging a well or borehole and extracting groundwater are set out in the Water Board Regulations of the Noorderzijlvest Water Board 2023. The rules are aligned with the rules of the provinces of Groningen and Drenthe.