A bore extraction limit is the maximum amount of water you are approved to take using a bore from a groundwater source. Your limit applies even if the water allocation in your water access licence is higher than your bore extraction limit.

Each bore has its own set of unique conditions. If your bore has an extraction limit, you will find it in the conditions section of your water supply work approval.

Why are bore extraction limits important?

Limits on bore extraction help protect complex and fragile groundwater sources from contamination and depletion. They also prevent the aquifer from deteriorating.

Limiting the water taken from at-risk groundwater sources helps protect the long-term sustainability of water in NSW.

If you exceed your bore extraction limit, you risk reducing the water available for your neighbours and the environment.

Over-extraction can also affect groundwater-dependent vegetation and ecosystems.

What happens if you don't comply?

It is against the law to exceed your bore extraction limit. Individuals found guilty of breaking these laws may have to pay up to 5 times the value of the water they took illegally. They may also face prison terms of up to 2 years. Higher maximum penalties apply to corporations.

We can suspend or cancel licences and approvals for serious breaches of their terms and conditions.

We can also issue stop-work orders for unlawful water take or issue legal directions that require the removal of any unlawful works.