Water activities

Activities that involve the abstraction of water from the water environment, including abstraction from canals and lades, abstraction for hydro power, and the construction and operation of boreholes.

Activities that involve effluent discharge to the water environment, including sewage and other effluent, water run-off and discharges from aquaculture.

Activities that involve the building or engineering works in inland surface waters or wetlands, or in the vicinity of these waters, which have or are likely to have an impact on the water environment.

Activities that involve the construction, modification or operation of an impoundment in a surface water or wetland. Impoundments include any dam, weir or other works that impound water.

Activities that may cause the introduction of substances into the water environment or groundwater because of human activity. This includes discharge of pollutants, disposal of waste sheep dip or pesticides on to land, and storage of oil.

Any other water activity not described elsewhere, that has an adverse impact on the environment will need a permit authorisation.

Find out about water activities that you do not need an authorisation to carry out.