Permit applications need to be approved. Both permit and a list of licenced drillers can be obtained from the Advisory Service Section. If your bore pumps under 15 litres per second, water can be used for all land related activities both inside and outside Water Control Districts without an extraction licence. However, if your bore pumps over the 15 litres per second limit and is within a Water Control District, you need to obtain an extraction licence. Prohibitions exist in the Act covering underground disposal of waste, changes in the use of a bore and artificial recharging of aquifers.
Provision does exist for specific licensing where justification is given.
The Controller has a wide range of powers and can intervene in the case of pollution, deterioration, depletion of water or unequitable distribution . The Act provides the management process for water quality protection. Community derived Beneficial Uses and associated water quality objectives declared under the Act, provide the basis for Wastewater Discharge Licences and water quality planning. This service is maintained by the Business Services Branch. Comments and suggestions are welcomed.