Wells and earth outcrops
Fountain
The construction of wells must be reported to the lower water authority at least one month before work begins[1] and requires a permit under water law[2].
Drilling work may only begin after the permit has been submitted. In addition, drilling work must be notified to the State Office for the Environment, Agriculture and Geology (LfULG) in accordance with the provisions of the Geological Data Act (GeolDG)[3].
The inter-authority electronic drilling notification ELBA.SAX can be used to notify or apply to both the water authority and the LfULG[4].
The prerequisite for permission to drill a well is that no harmful changes to the water that cannot be avoided or compensated for by ancillary provisions are to be expected and that other requirements under public law are met. For example, only a drilling company certified in accordance with DVGW regulation W 120-1 (A), groups A and B, or a specialist company authorised by the Chamber of Crafts for well construction (master craftsman requirement) may be commissioned to carry out the drilling and well construction work.
Groundwater extraction generally requires a permit under water law[2], [5].
Authorisation is only granted for withdrawals that are not likely to have a significant negative impact on the water balance and for the following purposes:
- for domestic use,
- for farm operations,
- for watering livestock outside the farm, or
- for small quantities for a temporary purpose[6], [7].
If wells are no longer used, the extraction pump must be removed. The well must be dismantled and backfilled professionally. Backfilling must be carried out by a qualified specialist company in such a way that groundwater contamination through this entry route is permanently ruled out.
Backfilling also requires a permit under water law[2], [5].
Earth outcrops
Work that penetrates so deeply into the ground that it may affect the movement, level or quality of the groundwater must be notified to the lower water authority one month before the work begins.
To simplify the administrative procedure, the inter-authority portal ELBA.SAX is available for submitting drilling notifications in the Free State of Saxony[4].
If groundwater is encountered during excavation work, the lower water authority must be notified immediately.[1] In addition, work must be stopped until the water law permit has been issued or the use of the water body has been authorised ahead of schedule.[8]