If you want to extract groundwater in large quantities, 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

Costs are incurred in accordance with the general scale 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.