Water Assist
Not sure where to start with your water licence or approval enquiry?
Water Assist is an easy step-by-step tool to help you find the information and support you need for water licensing and approvals.
About water licence and approval exemptions
Some activities and customers are exempt from a water licence and/or approval under the Water Management Act 2000 and Water Management (General) Regulation 2025. If an exemption applies you don’t need to apply for a water licence or approval.
Water licences and approvals have different exemptions. With some exemptions you may still need to submit information to the department for review before interacting with water.
Find out what activities are exempt from a water licence and/or approval and whether you need to submit information to the department on the relevant exemption pages below.
Exemptions are available for controlled activities on waterfront land.
Exemptions are available for the construction and use of a water supply work and to access and use water.
Exemptions are available for landholders that have basic landholder rights to take water for domestic consumption and stock watering, water harvesting, and native title.
Exemptions are available for the construction and use of structures that affect the flow or distribution of water from a river, estuary, or lake in times of flood.
Exemptions are available for the removal of groundwater or overland flow water for emergency works to address an immediate risk (under emergency management legislation).
Exemptions are available to water utilities for drought works that draw water from alternative sources to address urgent demand for water supplies for local communities.
Exemptions are available for the dewatering of surface and groundwater if taking 3ML or less of groundwater per year for purposes other than consumption or supply, constructing buildings and infrastructure in designated coastal areas, and carrying out emergency works.