Apply for a water extraction licence
In the Northern Territory (NT), a water extraction licence lets you take surface water or groundwater using a bore or river pump system.
Water licences are not linked to any particular piece of land, but they do specify where you can use the water.
Find out when you need a water extraction licence.
Before you apply
Before you apply, you should consider all of the following:
- a water licence is usually granted for 10 years but longer term licences can be approved in special circumstances:
- for more information, read the Government Gazette PDF (776.3 KB) that was published on 4 September 2025
- you have certain rules and responsibilities to follow as part of your licence conditions.
See the application process timeframe in the approvals flowchart PDF (123.9 KB).
If you are required to also apply to clear native vegetation, see the concurrent approvals flowchart PDF (387.8 KB).
There are different licensing rules and application forms for the:
How to apply
To apply, follow the steps below.
Check which application category applies to you
You need to provide supporting documents based on how much water you want to take and where you want to take it from.
Check your licence application category.
Prepare your application
Fill in the form.
Apply to take water form PDF (276.4 KB)
Apply to take water form DOCX (105.2 KB)
Prepare your supporting documents
Prepare and attach the supporting documents based on your licence application category.
If your application includes commercially confidential information, you can request for it to be withheld from the public register by filling in the below form.
Commercially confidential information form PDF (571.4 KB)
Commercially confidential information form DOCX (67.6 KB)
Submit your application
Submit your application with the supporting documents by:
- emailing water.licensing@nt.gov.au
- mail or in person to your local Water Resources office.
The department will confirm receipt of your application and give you a reference number.
After you apply
Once your application is received, the assessment process that applies to your application will begin.
You may be asked to provide extra information.
Read more about advertising requirements and how your application is assessed.
If your licence is granted
Once you have a water extraction licence, you have rules and responsibilities to follow.
This includes submitting monthly water meter readings, unless otherwise stated on your licence.
Appeal a decision
If your application is refused, you have the option to appeal the decision.
Renew, transfer or change your licence
If you're a licence holder, find out how to renew, transfer or change your water extraction licence.
Contact
For more information, email water.licensing@nt.gov.au.