Yes, approval is required to install a bore, well or spear point to take water to use for domestic consumption (non-commercial uses around the house and garden) and stock watering (excluding feedlots). A water supply work approval must be obtained before any drilling occurs. Applications for a water supply work approval can be made online through Water Applications Online.
Note: If you want to amend an existing approval for a water supply work to take groundwater under a domestic and stock right you need to complete a hard copy application form (PDF).
Water NSW charges fees to cover the assessment and processing costs of applications for access licences, water supply work approvals, water use approvals and access licence dealings lodged under the Water Management Act 2000.
These fees are determined by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). These fees will increase annually on 1 July, and until 30 June 2025 those increases will be based on changes in the consumer price index. Fees are exempt from GST.
Application Fees
New basic landholder right bore - groundwater assessment NOT required: $938.83
New basic landholder right bore - groundwater assessment required: $1090.14
There are no annual fees for stock and domestic bores.
