Do You Need a Licence to Drill a Bore in WA? A Simple Guide
If you're planning to install a bore, one of the first practical questions is whether you'll need a licence to do it. It's a fair question, and the honest answer is: it depends, but for most homeowners installing a standard garden bore, the answer is no.
Western Australia's water licensing system can look complicated from the outside, mostly because it separates two different questions that people tend to lump together: whether you can build the bore, and whether you can take water from it. In this guide, we'll break both down in plain English, explain when a licence is and isn't required, and cover what to check before drilling starts.
The Short Answer
Most small residential garden bores used for standard lawn and garden irrigation do not require a licence in Western Australia.
That said, licensing depends on three things: where your property is located, how much water you're taking, and what type of aquifer you're drawing from. A bore that's exempt in one suburb might need approval in another, so "no licence needed" isn't a blanket rule, it's the common outcome for a specific, well-defined set of circumstances.
The Two Licences That Actually Matter
There isn't a single "bore licence" in WA. Instead, two separate approvals can apply under the WA Government's water licences and permits framework, and it's worth understanding the difference.
| Licence | What It Covers | Who Typically Needs It |
|---|---|---|
| 26D licence | Constructing, altering, enlarging or deepening a well (bore) | Bores built in proclaimed groundwater areas, with domestic garden bores commonly exempt |
| 5C licence | Taking and using groundwater once the bore exists | Larger irrigation areas, commercial or agricultural use, and any artesian (confined) groundwater |
A 26D licence is about the physical bore itself. A 5C licence is about the water you draw from it. You can, in some cases, need one without the other, which is why it helps to think of these as two separate questions rather than one combined approval.
When a Domestic Garden Bore Is Exempt
For most South West homeowners, a garden bore falls into the exempt category described in the WA Government's garden bores FAQ. Generally, this applies when:
The bore is used for standard residential lawn and garden irrigation
The irrigated area is under 2,000 square metres (0.2 hectares)
The bore draws from a shallow, non-artesian (unconfined) aquifer
If your property fits this description, you're likely in the majority of straightforward residential installations that don't require either licence type.
When You Do Need a Licence
A licence is more likely to apply if:
You're irrigating 2,000 square metres or more
The bore is for commercial, industrial or agricultural purposes
You're taking water from an artesian (confined) aquifer, which requires a 5C licence anywhere in the state, proclaimed or not
Your property sits in a proclaimed groundwater area with additional local requirements
None of these situations are unusual for larger blocks, rural properties or lifestyle acreages, so it's worth checking early rather than assuming a small-bore exemption automatically applies.
Proclaimed vs Unproclaimed Groundwater Areas
"Proclaimed" is the term DWER uses, explained on the WA Government's water licensing overview, for groundwater areas where demand is high enough that licensing helps manage the resource sustainably. Being in a proclaimed area doesn't automatically mean you need a licence (the domestic garden bore exemption can still apply), but it does mean extra rules potentially exist that wouldn't apply in an unproclaimed area.
This is one reason two properties a few streets apart can have different requirements even with near-identical bores. The most reliable way to check is to contact DWER directly, or work with a local driller who already knows which parts of the South West are proclaimed and which aren't.
What About the Person Doing the Drilling?
Landowner licensing and driller licensing are two separate systems. In WA, drillers are licensed through the Australian Drilling Industry Association (ADIA), and a driller isn't permitted to drill outside the class of licence they hold unless supervised by someone who does.
This matters for property owners too. Under the RIWI Act, the property holder, not the driller, is considered the licence holder for any water licence associated with the bore. Working with a properly licensed, experienced driller helps ensure the construction itself meets current standards, which protects you as the ultimate licence holder if any questions come up later.
What Happens If You Drill Without a Required Licence?
If a licence is required and the bore is drilled without one, the property owner can be found non-compliant with the RIWI Act, which can mean delays, remediation requirements or restrictions on the bore's future use.
This is rarely an issue for straightforward domestic garden bores, since the exemption covers the vast majority of them. It becomes more relevant for larger irrigation areas, commercial properties or anything drawing from a confined aquifer, which is exactly why checking before drilling is worth the small amount of time it takes.
How Australind WBC Helps With the Licensing Question
Licensing shouldn't be something you work out after the drill rig has already arrived.
Australind WBC helps by:
Assessing whether your specific property and intended use are likely to fall under an exemption or require a licence
Explaining which forms apply in plain terms, without acting as a substitute for DWER's own advice
Building bores that are compliant from day one, using ADIA-licensed drillers
You can learn more about our water bore drilling services or request a property assessment before you commit to a project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a licence for a small garden bore in WA?
In most cases, no. Standard residential garden bores irrigating under 2,000 square metres from a shallow, non-artesian aquifer are generally exempt.
What's the difference between a 26D and a 5C licence?
A 26D licence covers constructing or altering the physical bore. A 5C licence covers taking and using the groundwater once the bore exists. They're assessed separately.
Does my suburb count as a proclaimed groundwater area?
It depends on the specific location. Many parts of the South West and Perth metropolitan area are proclaimed, but boundaries vary, so it's worth confirming directly with DWER or a local driller.
Do I need a licence if my bore is only for monitoring, not irrigation?
Monitoring-only bores can still require a 26D licence in proclaimed areas, even if you're not taking water for use. Requirements should be confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
Who is responsible for holding the licence, me or the driller?
The property owner. Under the RIWI Act, the landowner is considered the licence holder regardless of who arranges the drilling.
Final Summary
So, do you need a licence to drill a bore in WA?
Most standard garden bores are exempt, provided they're under 2,000m² of irrigation and draw from a shallow aquifer
Two separate licences can apply: a 26D for construction, a 5C for taking water
Artesian groundwater always needs a licence, regardless of location
Proclaimed groundwater areas carry extra rules, and these vary by suburb
The property owner holds the licence, so it pays to check before drilling, not after
If you're not sure where your property stands, the simplest next step is a quick check before any drilling begins, rather than an assumption either way.