All human activities must be carried out in such a way that groundwater is not contaminated. Measures that penetrate the groundwater or more than 10 m into the ground therefore also require a permit under water law. Boreholes with a depth of more than 100 m also require approval from the state mining authority.
Measures requiring approval also include the construction of buildings in the groundwater area, the construction of wells for private or commercial purposes and the discharge and introduction of substances into the groundwater. Lowering the groundwater level during the construction period and diverting groundwater while it is not in use also require prior approval. Permanent lowering of the groundwater level is not permitted.
The unexpected tapping of groundwater must be reported to the lower water authority in order to clarify the further procedure.
Geothermal systems (geothermal probes) are generally subject to approval. You can find more information on this here.
Water extraction fee
Anyone who uses groundwater or water from surface waters above a certain level (e.g. drinking water, process water, cooling water) must pay a water abstraction charge.
Further information:
