Mat Beale (FCG WhiteAvon)

Recently, I have been asked to look into several farms water abstraction, and whether they are compliant with the regulations.

Some have an abstraction licence, some do not. Abstraction of water can be from different sources, including boreholes, springs, wells, or from open water courses (ditches/streams etc.).

The main point I have come across on farms is generally no one really knows what they are and aren’t allowed to do.

So, if you abstract from a source, you can abstract up to 20m3/day without an abstraction licence. Anymore, and a licence is required. This needs to be applied for with the Environment Agency.

I have recently read in press articles that the EA have issued actions to 70 farmers over the past 2 years regarding unlicensed abstraction. These have been found during what the EA have called ‘routine inspections.

The first action to take place, will be to have a meter installed on the abstraction source, so there is a true reading of daily use. This will generally be recorded across a period of time, likely to be 6 months, to get an accurate reading of water usage and any fluctuations within a time frame.

If found to be over the 20m3/day limit, farms will be required to apply for an abstraction licence. So far, I have found this process to be long, with initial pre application being picked up around 50 days from being submitted. This can be longer if further investigations are required before a full application can be submitted. This will depend on the location of the source, any other abstractions from that source already in place (licenced and unlicenced), and any other water features within a set radius (depending on the abstraction amount being applied for).

After all this has been completed, an application can be submitted, which will be determined by the pump test results as to what can be applied for.

Recently I was told for one application, we would likely not be granted a licence for the whole year, as the EA had already determined the source was being used heavily, and water levels within the summer months could not be sustained. This would also mean that no water could be abstracted from the source within that period, not just that it can be dropped down to the 20m3/day. This requires careful thought and planning. Is it better to get all the water required for 6 months, or a percentage of the water required all year, and then have mains water to make up the balance. If water can be stored, that could be an option worth thinking about. However, this would be an unlikely solution should water be predominantly required as drinking water.

Water abstraction is clearly a very important part for businesses who have the option. It can save massive costs long term if large quantities of water are required. Being compliant with regulations is clearly becoming just as important, as water abstraction is clearly on the EA’s radar.  If found to be abstracting without a licence or in breach of existing licence conditions, this will likely lead to enforcement action, which could include no longer being able to abstract from the source. If you require large amounts of water from a source, it would be good forward planning to know how much water you require and if a licence is required, as the process takes a significant length of time to complete.

For more information on whether your farm needs an abstraction licence, contact Mat at mathewbeale@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.