CONSULT.Outcome publishedConsultation · gov.uk
Water abstraction licensing: changes to exemptions in England and Wales
Seeking views on the proposal to extend the water abstraction licensing system to include most water abstractors who are currently exempt.
Last fetched 03 May 2026 · gov.uk
Detail
We want to know what you think about our plans to bring most exempt abstractors into the licensing system (‘New Authorisations’). This will allow the regulators to better manage water resources and help to balance the needs of all abstractors and the environment.
Both existing licensed abstractors and exempt abstractors will be interested in the consultation and we encourage you to share this widely. The consultation document also contains our response to the 2009 consultation.
Further information- Welsh Government: changes to water abstraction licensing exemptions in England and Wales (New Authorisations) consultation in English and Welsh
- Water management: abstract or impound water
- Reforming the water abstraction management system: making the most of every drop
Documents