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Licences to construct or alter wells and permits are generally issued for a period of 12 months. This is typically long enough to complete the proposed work, unless a longer duration is specifically requested.  

Licences to take water are typically issued for up to ten years, however some exceptions apply.

For more information about licence tenure refer to our policy Section 5C Licence tenure.

An application to extend the duration of a water permit can be made shortly before the permits expiry date.

To amend your licence (e.g. to change the water entitlement, activity or water use location) or to renew your licence you can apply via Water Online.

We also accept paper applications forms which may be forwarded to your local regional office by post, email or fax.  

You need to complete and submit either;

• a Form 3G application for groundwater licences or
• a Form 3S application for surface water licences.

Note

Applications to renew a licence to take water must be submitted before the licence expiry date. It may not be possible to re-instate an expired licence.

It is recommended that renewal applications are submitted 60 to 90 days prior to expiry to enable continuity of your licence.

For further information refer to the frequently asked question 'My licence to take water has expired. What are my options?' 

A licence may not be renewed if:

• it is a condition of the original licence that it is not renewable
• you have not complied with the existing terms, conditions or restrictions of the licence. Refer to the frequently asked question 'My licence to take water is due for renewal but I am not using my full water entitlement? Will my licence be renewed?'
• renewal would be inconsistent with the local by-laws or the relevant water allocation plan
• we cancel the licence. Refer to the frequently asked question 'In what situation would the department amend, suspend or cancel my licence or permit?'

Applications to amend or renew a licence are assessed on an individual, transparent and equitable basis in accordance with the requirements of the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914 and licensing policies and water allocation plans.

To complete the assessment of the application, we may require further information to support your application. This may include:

• preparing an operating strategy or water conservation/efficiency plan
• providing proof of legal access to the land
• gaining approvals from other agencies (where needed)
• evidence of advertising your application (where needed). Refer to the frequently asked question 'When do applications need to be advertised?' on the Apply for a new water licence or permit page.

Note

• All applications are processed in the order in which they are received ('first-in first-served').
• No two applications are the same and may require different levels of assessment.
• You must adhere to the existing terms and conditions on your licence until we have completed its assessment of your application and you have been notified in writing of our decision.

For more information go to Stages of assessment for water licences and permits.

You may be asked to explain your water use or provide reasons if your development has not progressed as expected. This will be taken into consideration when assessing your application.

In some cases we may propose to recoup unused water entitlements.

For more information refer to our policy Management of unused licensed water entitlements.

If your licence has expired and you intend to access water you must apply for a new licence or you may be liable to be prosecuted for unlicensed water use.

Note

If your water resource area has reached its allocation limit and your licence has expired, a new licence to take water may not be granted and trading or leasing water via an agreement may be your only option.

We may add, remove or change the terms, conditions and restrictions of your licence.

In all but an exceptional circumstance, you would be given notice of the intention to amend your licence and, in some cases, you have a right to comment and apply to the for a review of the decision.

In certain circumstances we can direct you to reduce the amount of water you take or change the rate at which water is pumped, or direct the purpose for which it is taken. For more information go to the frequently asked question 'What is a direction' on the Water licensing compliance and enforcement page.

If water is being wasted or improperly used, you may be directed to close a well.

We may propose to amend, suspend or cancel your water licence or permit for various reasons, including:

• where authorised actions (licence or permit use) have detrimental effects on others
• to protect the water resource from unacceptable damage
• to protect the environment from unacceptable damage
• to prevent serious damage to life or property
• if the water entitlement on the licence has consistently not been used
• if it is in the public interest
• if there is insufficient water to meet demand or expected demand
• to more effectively regulate the use of water
• to prevent inconsistency with a water allocation plan or by-laws
• if a licence holder is convicted of an offence against the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914
• to comply with another state or Commonwealth law
• the licensee consents or the licence provides authority to do so.

Note

Under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, you have a right to apply to the to request a review of any departmental amendment, suspension or cancellation of your water licence.