Rights to Groundwater

The Water Act 1989 defines the rights of the Crown, Water Authorities and individuals to water in Victoria. The Crown's Rights To Water In Victoria the Crown has the right to the use, flow and control of all water in waterways, and all groundwater. Authority's Rights To Water Authorities have rights to water for supply to their customers, as specified in their Bulk Entitlements. Individual Rights To Water The Water Act 1989 allows individuals to take water for domestic and stock purposes from a range of surface water and groundwater sources without a licence. These domestic and stock rights are defined under section 8(1) and section 8(4)(c) of the Water Act 1989 and are not formally issued.

Groundwater irrigated clover seed production in the Neuarpur area

Licences or other approvals under the Water Act: Construct, alter, operate, remove or decommission a bore. A licence is not required to operate a bore used solely for domestic and stock purposes.

Water uses: rights and licensing requirements

Source of Water	Form of Entitlement to Customers	Who issues Entitlement2	Cost
Purpose: Stock and Domestic Water1
Groundwater	Private right2	-	no charge
Purpose: Irrigation Uses
Groundwater	Licence	Rural Water Corporation	yes
Purpose: Industrial and Commercial Uses
Groundwater	Licence	Rural Water Corporation	yes

Notes:
¹As defined in the Water Act 1989
²A Bore Construction Licence is required before drilling all bores

Further details

The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) is the lead agency in Victoria for the management of water resources across the state. Visit DSE’s Our Water Our Future (external link) website for up-to-date information about: Using and Saving Water, Government Programs and Action, Water in the Environment, Monitoring and Reporting, and Victoria's Water Industry and Governance.

Also, contact your local Urban or Rural Water Corporation (external link) for further details.

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