Water licences in Queensland
When do you need a water licence?
In Queensland you may need a water licence to take or interfere with surface water, overland flow water or underground water. Water licences are complex, and the rules depend on the kind of water and where you are.
The law
Licences are issued under the Water Act 2000, with groundwater areas set by the Water Regulation 2016 and each catchment’s water plan.
Three kinds of water
What a licence can cover
Surface water
Under the Water Act 2000 you need a water licence to take or interfere with water in a watercourse, lake or spring for purposes such as:
- Stock or domestic use on land that does not adjoin a watercourse, lake or spring
- Irrigation
- Industrial or commercial use
- Storing water behind a weir
- Impounding water behind a storage structure
- Storing water in excavations within or connected to a watercourse
Overland flow water
In some areas of Queensland you may need a water licence to take or interfere with overland flow water.
These areas are identified in moratorium notices and water plans.
Underground water
Generally you need a water licence to take underground water in groundwater areas set by the Water Regulation 2016 or a water plan.
These include groundwater management areas and sub-artesian management areas.
Offences
Not having the licence you need can lead to prosecution under the Water Act 2000 (Qld) for:
- Unauthorised taking or supplying of water
- Unauthorised interfering with water
- Contravening a condition of a water licence
- Tampering with measurement devices
Not sure if you need a licence?
Ask us before you take, store or interfere with water. We will tell you what applies on your land.