How To Develop a Licensed Water Supply Borehole: Our Step-By-Step Guide to Success

November 5, 2020

The first of our exciting borehole series has arrived! This FREE series is targeted at those who own, operate or regulate borehole water supplies and will detail the key information you need to know to develop a licensed supply of the upmost quality.


Our specialists have broken down the process step-by-step, to highlight best practices, what can go wrong and how to avoid the most common problems and vitally, how to successfully navigate the regulatory process with the Environment Agency, Natural Resources Wales or SEPA



Step One:



Starting with the all-important Feasibility Study, where the likely borehole yield, water quality, and probability of obtaining a licence is determined.

Click the below to read more about the aims of the study, project timescales and costs:

Step Two:



Next up is the initial application to your regulatory body to gain permission to construct and test. In addition to the Water Features Survey, critical to obtaining a license and preventing future delays.


Find out all you need to know about the regulatory process below:



Step Three:


The construction and testing phase of borehole development is the most expensive part of the process. Get it wrong and it can have severe implications for the success of the project.


Click the image below to read more on construction standards, hydraulic development, test pumping and ultimately how to develop a perfect private water supply. 

Step Four:



Securing a licence takes more than filling in the forms. It takes preparation and management by experienced water resource specialists who understand the regulatory process. With different licensing policies across the country, ensuring you are aware of the issues which can arise and the boxes you need to tick will help you to secure that licence.


Find out all you need to know about the art of licensing by clicking the image below.

Step Five:


You finally have a licensed borehole, yet your borehole journey has only just begun… In step 5 we cover the importance of monitoring and maintenance, how to comply with regulatory conditions, and how to make sure your water supply is reliable. Click the image below: 

Throughout November we will be publishing our 5-part series, keep an eye on our social media pages or favourite this news article, checking back weekly for updates! We will conclude the series with a webinar on the 26th November to fill you in on all the technical detail and answer your questions. Register now by emailing JosephineCanning@envireauwater.co.uk. Alternatively, if your questions can’t wait or you need our help with a project, get in touch with Dr Phil Ham on PhilHam@envireauwater.co.uk.

Share

By Rachael Plant May 28, 2025
We officially unveiled our newest office location in April last year! Known as a hub of Hydrogeology, our Shrewsbury office sits in the heart of the town and is a testament to our growth and a strategic move to better serve our clients in the West Midlands and Wales. We're excited to introduce you to our skilled experts! Tamsin Morey: Having joined in 2003, Principal Water Resources Specialist Tamsin has over 20 years consulting experience, with her role focusing primarily on water resource management and high level regulator negotiation. Tamsin manages projects primarily within the agricultural and food & drink industries, with expertise ranging from catchment-scale water resource assessments to the delivery of detailed site-specific solutions to solve specific client issues.
By Rachael Plant May 21, 2025
Welcome to our Melbourne office in Derbyshire! Connecting you to both Derby and Leicester, this charming market town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a multitude of boutique shops and delicious bakeries! We're excited to introduce you to our talented professionals! Lauren Moore: A Chartered Manager (Fellow) with an MSc in Management and Leadership, Lauren joined Envireau Water in 2018 and now leads business operations across the company’s four offices, playing a central role in shaping and delivering the company's strategic direction. Lauren’s expertise spans project and change management, business innovation, digital transformation and marketing, with a strong focus on improving operational efficiency and supporting sustainable growth.
By Rachael Plant May 20, 2025
As much as we all love the sunshine and have been embracing the recent warmer weather spell across the UK, the prolonged dry conditions are now raising concerns that England may be at risk of a potential drought this summer. Following an exceptionally sunny and dry April, which experienced just over 56% of usual rainfall, the start of May was also the warmest on record, surpassing the previous high set in 1990. With water resources already strained, it is more important than ever that proactive measures are promptly adopted to mitigate this risk, promote water conservation and avoid the potential for future restrictions. We asked Principal Water Resources Specialist, Tamsin Morey , for her thoughts on the matter... Tamsin, what dangers are we already seeing in the UK?
Show More
By Rachael Plant May 28, 2025
We officially unveiled our newest office location in April last year! Known as a hub of Hydrogeology, our Shrewsbury office sits in the heart of the town and is a testament to our growth and a strategic move to better serve our clients in the West Midlands and Wales. We're excited to introduce you to our skilled experts! Tamsin Morey: Having joined in 2003, Principal Water Resources Specialist Tamsin has over 20 years consulting experience, with her role focusing primarily on water resource management and high level regulator negotiation. Tamsin manages projects primarily within the agricultural and food & drink industries, with expertise ranging from catchment-scale water resource assessments to the delivery of detailed site-specific solutions to solve specific client issues.
By Rachael Plant May 21, 2025
Welcome to our Melbourne office in Derbyshire! Connecting you to both Derby and Leicester, this charming market town is surrounded by beautiful countryside and a multitude of boutique shops and delicious bakeries! We're excited to introduce you to our talented professionals! Lauren Moore: A Chartered Manager (Fellow) with an MSc in Management and Leadership, Lauren joined Envireau Water in 2018 and now leads business operations across the company’s four offices, playing a central role in shaping and delivering the company's strategic direction. Lauren’s expertise spans project and change management, business innovation, digital transformation and marketing, with a strong focus on improving operational efficiency and supporting sustainable growth.
By Rachael Plant May 20, 2025
As much as we all love the sunshine and have been embracing the recent warmer weather spell across the UK, the prolonged dry conditions are now raising concerns that England may be at risk of a potential drought this summer. Following an exceptionally sunny and dry April, which experienced just over 56% of usual rainfall, the start of May was also the warmest on record, surpassing the previous high set in 1990. With water resources already strained, it is more important than ever that proactive measures are promptly adopted to mitigate this risk, promote water conservation and avoid the potential for future restrictions. We asked Principal Water Resources Specialist, Tamsin Morey , for her thoughts on the matter... Tamsin, what dangers are we already seeing in the UK?
By Rachael Plant May 15, 2025
Nestled in North Yorkshire, our Aske Office is just outside the lively market town of Richmond. Just a short stroll away, the charmingly converted stables at Aske Estate provide stunning, scenic views, perfect for a lovely lunch time stroll! Keep reading to discover more about our expert team! Phil Ham: Managing Director Phil joined Envireau Water 'officially' in 2010. A Principal Hydrogeologist with over 20 years professional experience working with natural water systems, Phil specialises in water supply development and hydrogeological impact assessments, overseeing projects primarily within the food and drink and industrial sectors. Phil is also a qualified expert witness, having completed the highly acclaimed Cardiff University Law School/Bond Solon expert witness training course.
Show More