Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Get information on groundwater protection

Groundwater protection includes all measures to preserve and safeguard the quality and quantity of groundwater. You can find out more here.

Detailed description

Groundwater is the water that is found underground. It plays a central role in the water cycle and is an important resource for drinking water, irrigation and industry.


Groundwater protection refers to all measures and activities aimed at preserving and protecting the quality and quantity of groundwater. Various administrative services fall under this topic. You should contact the responsible authority for groundwater protection if, for example, you

  • want to drill a well,
  • wish to extract groundwater for private, agricultural or industrial purposes,
  • want to carry out a temporary lowering of the groundwater level,
  • want to use geothermal energy,
  • want to implement a construction project in a water protection area,
  • If you want to allow wastewater to seep into the soil or discharge it into the groundwater,
  • Notice signs of groundwater contamination in your area,
  • have to have an environmental impact assessment carried out.
 

Information

Prerequisites

  • Impact on groundwater.

Depending on the matter, further requirements may apply. The responsible authority will inform you accordingly.

Documents required

Depending on the nature of your request, you will need to submit other documents. The responsible authority will inform you accordingly. You may be required to provide:

  • Completed application form
  • Detailed construction or project plans for your project
  • Description of the technology and procedures used
  • Environmental or hydrogeological reports
  • Calculations on the amount of water withdrawn
  • Statements from specialist authorities
  • Plans for monitoring groundwater quality
  • Proof of environmental impact assessment
  • Security concepts
  • Existing permits or authorizations

Depending on the request, fewer or more documents may be necessary.

Please note

There are no special features.

Deadlines

Deadlines may apply. These vary depending on the nature of your request.

Procedure

  • The procedure varies depending on your request. Here is a general procedure:
  • You contact the responsible authority
  • Depending on your request, you may submit an application.
  • The competent authority checks the completeness and technical implications of the application.
  • If necessary, other bodies will be involved.
  • The responsible authority will make a decision and, if necessary, issue you with an approval notice with conditions.
  • They carry out the project in accordance with the requirements.
  • The competent authority will monitor compliance with the requirements where necessary.
  • You may be required to submit a final report.

Processing time

The processing time varies depending on the nature of your request.

Fees

Costs or fees may apply. These vary depending on the nature of your request.

Legal remedies

Contradiction


Action before the administrative court

Legal basis

§ 8 Water Resources Act (WHG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/whg_2009/__8.html


Section 9 paragraph 1 number 5 and paragraph 2 number 1Water Resources Act (WHG)


https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/whg_2009/__9.html

Links on hamburg.de

Links on the Internet

Address and contact information

Authority for the Environment, Climate, Energy and Agriculture

Water Management

We have a limited number of customer parking spaces. To reserve a parking space, please contact our receptionist by e-mail at zugang@bsw.hamburg.de or by telephone on +49 40 428 40 - 50 50. Our working hours are: Monday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:15 p.m , Friday from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

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Keywords: Water protection drainage Groundwater extraction Water retention

Last updated: 14.02.2026