Guidance

Preparing a hydrogeological impact assessment

When and how to prepare a hydrogeological impact assessment (HIA) before you apply for a groundwater abstraction licence.

• From: Environment Agency
• Published: 13 March 2025
• Last updated: 20 July 2026
  Show all updates

  1. 20 July 2026

     Removed the list of appropriate accreditations for someone carrying out a HRA to avoid confusion if the accreditation held was not on the list. Instead, added that the appropriate accreditation must be specialising in hydrogeology.

  2. 13 March 2025

     First published.

Applies to England

• Publication for Northern Ireland
• Publication for Scotland
• Publication for Wales

Documents

Preparing a hydrogeological impact assessment

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You need to prepare a hydrogeological impact assessment (HIA) before you apply for a groundwater abstraction licence to: 

• work out the risks 
• design mitigation measures which manage the impact to other abstractions and the environment  

This guidance explains when and how to prepare a HIA before you apply for a groundwater abstraction licence.