Water licensing in the Adelaide River catchment
The Darwin Rural Water Control District was extended in July 2024 to include the Adelaide River catchment.
It is now called the Darwin Rural Adelaide River Water Control District.
Extending the district allows for a water allocation plan to be developed for the Adelaide River in accordance with the Water Act 1992. The plan will manage and regulate surface water use throughout the catchment which spans 7,640 square kilometres. You can keep up to date with the progress of the plan at Adelaide River water allocation plan.
Water management rules apply to anyone taking water within the district. In the district you now require a;
- water extraction licence if you are taking groundwater to operate your business or for any other commercial purpose. Speak with Water Resources if you think an exemption may apply.
- bore work permit if you are constructing, decommissioning or doing work to a bore.
You do not need a water licence if you are using groundwater or surface water for stock and domestic purposes. Stock and domestic includes using water for your home needs, maintaining a garden connected to your house (less than 0.5ha in total) and giving drinking water to grazing stock.
A simplified water licensing application process has been developed for those in the Adelaide River catchment and is available until 30 July 2026.
Officers from Water Resources will be contacting properties in the district who have been identified as potentially requiring a water licence and will work with licence applicants throughout the process.
Find out what you need to consider before applying and how to Apply for a water extraction licence: Darwin Rural Adelaide River.
If you are using groundwater, we encourage you to contact Water Resources to discuss whether a water licence is required. Please contact us on 08 8999 4455 or email water.licensing@nt.gov.au.
