Where does your water come from?

If you take surface water or groundwater from any source, you are abstracting water.

Depending on how much water you take, and where your business is based, you may need to have an authorisation or licence from your environmental regulator.

Examples of water sources include:

  • rivers
  • streams
  • lakes
  • lochs
  • loughs
  • estuaries
  • coastal waters
  • wells
  • lades
  • canals
  • springs
  • boreholes.

You will not need a licence if your business only uses water from the mains supply. Your water company will advise you on the availability of supply.

Whether you use mains water or you abstract water directly from surface water or groundwater, there are things you can do to reduce the quantity you use.

Becoming more water efficient may save you money. Many businesses could save up to 50% of their water costs through implementing simple and inexpensive water minimisation measures.

In this guideline: