Bore Construction & Groundwater Licensing

What is a bore?

Bores are usually thought of as drilled holes constructed by drilling rigs. However the definition of a bore is far broader and includes any well or excavation used to access groundwater.

Do I need a Works Licence (Bore Construction)?

Any person who constructs, alters or replaces a groundwater bore greater than three metres in depth must obtain a Works Licence (Bore Construction) prior to commencing works.

Who issues a Works Licence (Bore Construction)?

Goulburn-Murray Water issues licences under the provisions of Section 67 of the Water Act 1989. It is an offence to drill and construct a bore without a Works Licence (Bore Construction).

How long is a Works Licence (Bore Construction) valid for?

A Works Licence (Bore Construction) is valid for 12 months. You can apply to renew a Works Licence (Bore Construction) as long as you lodge an application before the existing licence is due to expire.

When can I drill and construct a bore?

You must engage a licensed driller to drill and construct the bore. Your nominated driller can not commence drilling until you have obtained a Works Licence (Bore Construction). The licence conditions must be read and understood by yourself and your nominated driller before drilling is undertaken.

When can I take and use water from my bore?

You must apply for a Groundwater Licence before taking groundwater from the bore for all purposes other than Domestic and/or Stock use.

GROUNDWATER LICENSING

Who needs a Groundwater Licence?

You can not take and use groundwater without a Groundwater Licence unless groundwater is to be used solely for Domestic and/or Stock purposes. All other purposes require a Groundwater Licence. Construction of a bore less than three metres deep is not exempt from meeting the licensing requirements.

Who issues Groundwater Licences?

Goulburn-Murray Water (G-MW) issues licenses to take and use groundwater under the provisions of Section 51 of the Water Act 1989 and to operate the associated works under Section 67 of the Water Act 1989. It is an offence to take and use groundwater without a Groundwater Licence for purposes other than Domestic and/or Stock use.

How long is a Groundwater Licence valid for?

A Groundwater Licence can be issued for a maximum period of 15 years, although most are issued for a period of 5 years if located in a Groundwater Management Area. You must apply for a renewal of a groundwater licence before the existing licence is due to expire.

What does a Groundwater Licence allow me to do?

A Groundwater Licence allows you to take and use groundwater for irrigation, commercial or other licensed purposes. Your licence will detail how much water you can extract from your bore each year. Groundwater Licences contain specific conditions which relate to maximum extraction rates, authorised use (purpose) and other obligations you are required to adhere to ensure the licence remains valid.

What is the maximum extraction rate and how is it calculated?

The maximum extraction rate is the maximum licensed rate that you may extract water from your bore. It is stated in megalitres per day (ML/d). The maximum daily volume is the maximum amount of water you may extract each day, also stated in ML/d. For example, your bore may be licensed at a maximum extraction rate of 3 ML/day (around 35 litres per second); however you may be restricted to a maximum daily volume of 1 ML/day. This means that you may only pump for 8 hours per day. The maximum extraction rates will be determined by your groundwater water requirements and any potential interference issues.

How do I calculate the annual volume of water I require?

A numbers of factors may need to be considered in calculating your groundwater requirements such as the area of land to be irrigated, method of irrigation and crop type. How much your bore will yield and the type of pump installed should also be considered. Water quality information will also be important depending on how you intend to use the water. For calculating water use requirements, particularly for irrigation, it is advised that you contact the Department of Primary Industries for assistance on 136186 or via the web at http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au/.

Do I need to meter my groundwater use?

All use requiring a groundwater licence must be metered. Metering is a Government policy to improve management of groundwater resources. If a groundwater licence is granted G-MW will provide you with the necessary information required to purchase and install a flow meter. The installation can be carried out by you or alternatively you can arrange for G-MW to carry out the installation. Once a meter is installed it becomes the property of G-MW.

Do I need to meet the new Irrigation Development Guideline requirements?

Irrigation Development Guidelines will be required for all new irrigation developments. You will be contacted if the Irrigation Development Guidelines apply to you.

What is a Groundwater Management Area?

Groundwater Management Areas have been established in areas where groundwater has been intensively developed, or has the potential to be developed. A Water Supply Protection Area may be declared for a groundwater management area to commence the process for the development of a Groundwater Management Plan.

What is a Groundwater Management Plan?

Groundwater management plans are prepared to ensure that groundwater is managed sustainably. Groundwater Management Plans for water supply protection areas may be downloaded from the G-MW website.

For further licensing information please contact: Goulburn-Murray Water, Licensing Administration Unit, PO Box 165, TATURA VIC 3616 or call us on (03) 5833 5500

A registered licensed driller is required to complete the proposed work of constructing a groundwater bore. A list of drillers is available from the Australian Driller's Industry Association website http://www.adia.com.au/.

Click here to download groundwater licence application forms