In Northern Ireland water abstraction and impoundment is controlled by The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) Regulations (Northern Ireland 2006, as amended by The Water Abstraction and Impoundment (Licensing) (Amendment) Regulations. (Northern Ireland) 2007. The regulations apply to all groundwater and surface water abstractions that abstract more than 10m3 per day. Abstractions less than this are Permitted Controlled Activities and are automatically authorised by NIEA.
