Using bore water for business
If you rely on bore water to operate your business, whether it’s for farming, cultural activities or to support other commercial uses such as tourism operations, industrial use, nurseries, cafés, pubs and other businesses that use water for daily operations and amenities - you may need a water extraction licence.
A water extraction licence is required if your property is located in the Adelaide River Catchment of the Darwin Rural Adelaide River Water Control District and you extract more than 5 megalitres per year.
You do not need a water licence if you are using groundwater or surface water for stock and domestic purposes. Stock and domestic includes using water for your home needs, maintaining a garden connected to your house (less than 0.5ha in total) and giving drinking water to grazing stock.
Right now, there’s a simplified application process in place to help water users make the transition to licensing, closing 31 July 2026.
To find out whether your property is in the Darwin Rural Adelaide River Water Control District or to discuss your situation, contact Water Resources on (08) 8999 4455 or email water.licensing@nt.gov.au.
For more information on how to apply for a water extraction licence, go to the Northern Territory Government website.
