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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:
  • you have certain rules and responsibilities to follow as part of your licence conditions
  • it can take at least 3 to 4 months to process your application for a new or increased licence
    • this can be longer if you don't provide the correct information.

In the Darwin Rural Adelaide River water control district, there are unique licensing rules. Find out how to apply for a licence in Darwin Rural Adelaide River.

How to apply

To apply, follow the steps below.

Step 1. Check what application tier 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 tier.

Step 2. 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)

Step 3. Prepare your supporting documents

Prepare and attach the supporting documents based on your licence application tier.

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)

Step 4. Submit your application

Submit your application with the supporting documents by:

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.

Read more about advertising requirements and how your application is assessed.

If you've been approved

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 rejected, you have the option to appeal the decision.

Members of the public also have the right to request a review of the decision.

Find out how to appeal a water licence 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.

Water extraction licence