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Groundwater wells with a capacity of 10,000 litres per hour or less must be reported to the water authority by September 1. Anyone who does not do so before then will be breaking the law. For example, people use water from small groundwater wells to water their gardens or spray dust and dirt. It is also used to make livestock drinks or washing products.
Since last year, reporting of so-called “small” groundwater wells has been mandatory in the areas under the jurisdiction of the Brabant Delta and De Dommel Water Boards. In the work area of the Aa en Maas Water Board, such reporting is voluntary. In this way, the water board hopes to gain a better understanding of groundwater use in the province. According to the water board, this is necessary to prevent dewatering.
For example, farmers use small groundwater wells to water their livestock, as do companies, municipalities and people in rural areas. The word “small” was chosen to clarify the distinction with large consumers such as industry, agriculture and drinking water companies. A small well can pump up to 10,000 litres of water per hour.
New rules
In the work areas of the Brabant Delta and De Dommel, it is no longer permitted to use unreported pumps. After September 1, existing pumps can no longer be reported.
The Aa en Maas water authority is less strict. There, only groundwater wells are required to be reported. Even after September 1, unreported wells in the Aa en Maas work area are still allowed. It is still possible to register a well here.
On this map you can see the status of the water authority:
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Here is the number of small groundwater wells reported so far:
- Dedomer: More than 7,000
- Brabant Delta: 1,950
- Aa and Maas: 530
In total, there are reportedly nearly 10,000 small wells across the province.
Groundwater tax
The Water Authority already expects a significant reduction in reporting in the Aa and Maas working areas. It is more concerned about large, specialized withdrawals. These have the greatest impact on groundwater supplies, the Water Authority says. Therefore, there is no reporting obligation here.
The province plans to impose a tax on small groundwater wells starting January 1, 2025. But according to Aa and Maas, they did not choose to voluntarily protect residents from possible future such taxes.
In September, the three water authorities in Brabant will jointly assess the results of the past year. Aa en Maas will then examine whether a change in its approach is necessary.
operate This website You can see the current groundwater level:
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