Proclaiming surface water and groundwater

Proclamation is a legal process that makes managing water resources the Department of Water's responsibility. Proclaiming groundwater and surface water areas means that the department can actively manage water resources through licensing water users.

Proclaimed areas

In proclaimed areas, under the Rights in Water and Irrigation Act 1914, it is illegal to take water from a watercourse or groundwater aquifer without a licence. Applications for water licences are made through our regional offices.

Proclaimed groundwater areas map
Proclaimed surface water areas map

Proclamation results in a requirement for certain water users to be licensed. For more information on licensing in your area contact your local Department of Water Regional office.

For more information on proclamation in Western Australia please contact allocationplanning@water.wa.gov.au.

Unproclaimed areas

Water can be taken from watercourses in unproclaimed areas without a licence so long as the flow is not 'sensibly' diminished, affecting the rights of downstream users.

Water can be taken from an underground water source in an unproclaimed area without a licence, where the original water source is non-artesian.

Proposed proclaimed areas

The department is in the process of updating, amending and creating new proclaimed areas for the equitable allocation of water resources throughout the state. At this time there are no new areas proposed for proclamation.