We use some essential cookies to make this website work.
We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.
We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.
You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.
Departments, agencies and public bodies
News stories, speeches, letters and notices
Detailed guidance, regulations and rules
Reports, analysis and official statistics
Consultations and strategy
Data, Freedom of Information releases and corporate reports
The Environment Agency's charging scheme for environmental permits, abstraction licences and impounding licences.
You will need to apply for a licence to authorise the amount of water you…
If you abstract water or plan to, you may need to apply for an abstraction licence.
How to apply to the Environment Agency for a water abstraction or impounding licence.
Use this service to view and share your licence information and to submit abstraction returns. Find out about water abstraction alerts.
How to change, revoke or transfer your licence, including if the licence holder dies or becomes bankrupt and find out when changes can be enforced.
You can use the pre-application advice service to make sure your application is correct.
How to get extra support for projects in England that require a complex range of environmental permits and licences.
Apply to replace a time limited licence or condition that is expiring.
How to get support for nature projects that require a range of environmental permits and licences.
The licences and permits you need, the documents you must prepare, and how to apply to build a hydropower scheme.
How to work out charges for water abstraction and impounding licences.
Where to install your meter, checking it's accurate, how often to check it and the records you must keep.
How to apply to the Environment Agency to trade water abstraction rights with another party.
When you do not need a water abstraction licence from the Environment Agency for passive dewatering.
When you can use collected or harvested rainwater without a water abstraction licence.
The hydrological and hydraulic information the Environment Agency may need when you apply for a water abstraction or impounding licence.
How the Environment Agency considers competing proposals to abstract water and what to do if the Environment Agency has said your application is competing with one or more other proposals.
Environment Agency regulatory position on when you can abstract water outside of the conditions of your abstraction licence during a ‘flood warning’ for purposes other than land drainage.
When and how to prepare a hydrogeological impact assessment (HIA) before you apply for a groundwater abstraction licence.
Guidance for non-water company abstraction licence holders affected by prolonged dry weather and drought.
Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.
To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. Please fill in this survey (opens in a new tab and requires JavaScript).