Abstraction

Groundwater resources are essential to many individuals, companies and communities to supply water for drinking, agriculture and industry. Abstraction controls exist in Scotland through the Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 (CAR).

Since groundwater naturally discharges into surface waters and wetlands, groundwater abstractions can have a detrimental effect on other water features.

This page provides links to the main legislation and policy guidance relating to groundwater and abstractions.

Legislation

• Water Framework Directive
• Water Environment and Water Services (Scotland) Act 2003 
• The Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 

Guidance

• Groundwater Protection Policy for Scotland V3, November 2009 (1mb)
  
• An applicants guide to water supply boreholes  (2.2mb)
  
• Decomissioning redundant boreholes and wells  (635k)
  
• Derivation of a methodology for groundwater recharge assessment in Scotland and Northern Ireland 
  
• Hydrometric determinations: Pumping tests for water wells - considerations and guidelines for design, performance and use 
  
• Keeping it Safe: Is your private water supply safe? (2002) Scottish Executive 
  
• WAT-SG-84: Using Disinfectants in Water Wells and Boreholes
  
• WAT-FORM-10: Water Features Survey Identification Form  (185k)
  
• For Regulatory Methods see Guidance for abstractions and impoundments page