Water withdrawals

Water withdrawals in Oberbergischer Kreis refer to extractions from groundwater and surface water bodies such as streams, rivers, ponds, etc. These withdrawals are considered water uses, which must be carried out in accordance with the general diligence obligations of water law.

While minor withdrawals (e.g.,  scooping with handheld containers) can be permit-free water uses (common use, owner and riparian use), all other withdrawals require a water law permit: This includes withdrawals using technical facilities for cooling or production purposes, drilling potable and non-potable water wells, etc.

The construction of driven wells is permit-free but should be reported to the Lower Water Authority with the following information

• First name, Last name,

• Address of the property for withdrawal,

• Cadastral district, plot, parcel,

• Coordinates or alternatively a map with the withdrawal location,

• Depth of the well,

should be reported.

The staff of the Water Authority are available to answer further questions. Contact can be made in person, in writing, or by telephone.

Required documents:

A fee-based permit procedure for the extraction of non-potable water is required. The following documents are necessary:

• Application for the issuance of a water law permit for groundwater withdrawals (see right)

• Application for the issuance of a water law permit for the purpose of creating a borehole for the construction of a non-potable/potable water well (see right)

The service is subject to a fee.