Construction and operation of a borehole or well up to 200m deep and less than 10m³ water per day

This General Binding Rule (GBR) applies to the construction, extension or operation of any well, borehole or other works by which water may be abstracted, if such works are—

1. not intended for the purpose of abstraction,
2. intended for the abstraction of less than 10 m³ of water in any one day,
3. intended for the abstraction of less than 150 m³ of water in any period of one year, and the purpose of the abstraction is either—
   1. to test for the yield of the borehole or well or the hydraulic properties of the aquifer, or
   2. to sample the water quality,
4. intended to dewater one or more excavations at—
   1. a construction site for roads, buildings, pipelines, or other built developments, or
   2. a site at which the maintenance of such developments is being undertaken, or
5. intended for the purpose of undertaking activity 17.

Authorisation level

General Binding Rule (GBR)

Rules

The construction, extension or operation of a borehole or well (up to 200 metres in depth) that is authorised by GBR3 is covered by General Binding Rules. If you intend to carry out this activity, and you comply with the rules set out below, your activity will be authorised. You don’t need to apply to SEPA for an authorisation.

If you carry out an activity under this authorisation you must comply with the rules. It is an offence if you do not comply with the rules.

If you cannot comply with the rules, you will need a different type of authorisation.

General Binding Rule (GBR) for construction and operation of a borehole or well up to 200m deep and less than 10m³ water per day

1. The construction and operation of —

   1. subject to paragraphs (b) and (c), the well or borehole, and
   2. any other works,

   must be such as to —

   1. prevent the introduction to the water environment of water of a different chemical composition, or the introduction of any substance or heat to the water environment which may give rise to harm to the water environment,
   2. prevent the mixing of groundwater of different chemical compositions in the water environment,
   3. prevent the flow of water between two hydro-geologically separate aquifers,

2. drilling fluids may be introduced into the well or borehole if necessary to facilitate the drilling of the well or borehole provided this does not result in harm to the water environment,

3. potable water may be introduced into the well or borehole to test the hydraulic properties of the aquifer,

4. when the well or borehole is no longer required, it must be back filled or sealed to the extent necessary to—

   1. avoid loss of groundwater from any aquifer, and
   2. avoid the introduction, into any body of groundwater, of
      1. Any substance or heat which may give rise to harm to the water environment, or
      2. Water of a different chemical composition,

5. the depth of any well or borehole beneath the surface of the ground must not exceed 200 metres,

   1. the borehole must not be constructed within 50 metres of an existing well or borehole for the supply of water without the consent of the owner of the existing well or borehole. 

Help and guidance

• Glossary of terms
• WAT-G-007 - EASR Guidance: Borehole construction and decommissioning best practice