Groundwater extraction, drilling and geothermal energy
The lower water authority must be notified at least one month before the start of any drilling work that may affect the movement or quality of the groundwater.
A permit under water law is also required for the extraction, damming, lowering and diversion of groundwater and the discharge of substances.
In accordance with Section 11a (1) No. 2 of the German Federal Water Act (WHG), the permit, authorization or other approval procedure under federal or state law for the construction and operation of facilities for the extraction of geothermal energy is handled by a single body at the request of the project developer. Further information can be found in the "Geothermal energy procedure manual" under Downloads.
Details
The following measures require a permit or notification:
- Drilling a borehole, e.g. ground exploration, setting up measuring points or developing as a well
- Extraction of groundwater, e.g. for garden, green space and agricultural irrigation, for water-to-water heat pumps or for production processes
- Construction dewatering
- Installation of a system for geothermal heat utilization, e.g. probe, collector (for commercial systems, additional notification of handling substances hazardous to water is required)
- Safekeeping of wells
Prohibitions and restrictions in drinking water protection zones must be observed. It is possible to apply for an exemption/exception.
Please use the form under Links in the right-hand sidebar to report the drilling. Please also use this for the application for permission under water law in accordance with § 8 Para. 1 i. V. m. § 9 WHG and the application for exemption/approval in water protection areas (point 13 of the form) as well as for the notification of commencement of drilling and completion of construction (point 1 of the form).
Documents
Please refer to the form under Links in the right-hand sidebar for the documents to be submitted.
Opening hours
| Tag | Zeiten |
|---|---|
| Montag | 08:00 - 12:00 und 13:00 - 16:00 Uhr |
| Dienstag | 08:00 - 12:00 und 13:00 - 16:00 Uhr |
| Mittwoch | keine Sprechzeiten |
| Donnerstag | 08:00 - 12:00 und 13:00 - 18:00 Uhr |
| Freitag | 08:00 - 12:00 Uhr |
Um vorherige Terminvereinbarung wird gebeten.
Legal basis
- Federal Water Act (WHG)
- Thuringian Water Act (ThürWG)