Water abstraction and associated impoundment regulation
An abstraction is the removal or diversion of water from, for example, a river, lake, stream, spring, groundwater well or borehole. Water abstractions and their associated impoundment need to be regulated so that our rivers, lakes, and groundwaters can be managed and protected.
The Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Act 2022 and the Water Environment (Abstractions and Associated Impoundments) Regulations 2024 came into operation on 28th August 2024. The purpose of the legislation is to provide for the regulation (registration, licensing and control) of water abstractions and their associated impoundments and to give effect to the EU Water Framework Directive. The Principles of Water Abstractions and Associated Impoundments Authorisation summarise the legislative requirements.
The legislation applies to anyone abstracting water for any purpose. Examples include drinking water supply; agricultural activities such as dairy, beef; horticulture; industrial activities such as EPA licensed facilities; commercial activities such as hotels; recreational activities such as golf courses or racecourses; aquaculture; hydropower; mining and quarrying activities.
The legislation is primarily focused on water abstractions of 25m3 (25,000 litres) or more in any 24-hour period. If abstracting >25m3/day, you need to register or apply for a licence depending on water volume abstracted and, in some cases, EPA assessment as outlined in Do I need to register or apply for a licence?
Existing Abstractions (Registered on or before 28th August 2024)
The 2018 Regulations that established a Water Abstraction Register have been revoked. Abstractions registered with the EPA under the 2018 Regulations are deemed to be registered under the 2022 Act. You need to update the details on the register, give notice of any material changes or apply for a licence. See Do I need to register or apply for a licence?
If you have already been informed that you need to apply for a licence, you should do so by the timeline notified to you.
Applying for an extension of the timeline to make licence application
If required, you can apply for extension of the timeline to make a water abstraction licence application under Section 15(7) of the Act, by filling in this form and returning it to licensing@epa.ie.