If you wish to extract groundwater in more than just minor quantities, you need a permit under water law. You can apply for this permit from the competent authority.

The authority will review your application and decide whether to grant you a permit.

The permit specifies the type and extent of use. It may be subject to conditions and ancillary provisions. Unlike an authorization, a permit can be revoked by the authorities. A permit does not confer a legal right to use groundwater.

You do not need a water rights permit if you extract groundwater only in small quantities and without adverse effects on the water balance, for example, for

• your own household,
• watering your garden,
• agricultural operations,
• watering livestock, or
• draining property.

The documents you need for your application vary depending on the type and scope of your project. You can clarify which documents are required in your specific case during a preliminary consultation with the relevant water authority.

As a rule, this involves several or all of the following documents:

• Explanatory Report
• Overview site plan in the form of a topographic map, with the existing or planned facility marked in color
• Current cadastral site plan showing the existing or planned facility highlighted in color
• Information on the type of facility
• Schematic representation of the facility in plan and section views
• Accompanying nature conservation plan; for new facilities, this includes entry in the compensation area registry
• If applicable: Technical report on the Water Framework Directive

Fees are charged in accordance with the General Schedule of Fees.

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

The processing time depends in particular on the quality and scope of the application and the documents.