Water Licensing Made Simple: How BD Water’s Integrated Services Take the Hassle Out of Compliance

If you’ve ever tried to navigate the process of obtaining a water licence in Western Australia, you’ll know it can feel like learning a new language full of forms, regulations, and technical requirements that seem to change just when you think you’ve got them sorted. 

At BD Water, we believe water licensing doesn’t have to be a headache. Our integrated services bring together licensing, bores, and irrigation under one roof, so you only have to deal with one expert team from start to finish. Whether you’re developing a new property, managing a commercial site, or expanding agricultural operations, we make sure your licensing process is smooth, compliant, and hassle-free. 

Your water licence isn’t just a piece of paper; it’s the foundation of your legal right to take and use water. If it’s not set up correctly, you risk compliance breaches, fines, and even losing access to the water you need for your operations. 

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) can be strict, and rightly so. But this means every application must be accurate, every report submitted on time, and every usage aligned with the terms of your licence. 

BD Water removes the stress from this process. We don’t just “help with the paperwork” we manage the entire journey, from assessing your site’s requirements to securing approval and ensuring you remain compliant year after year. 

Understanding Water Licence Trading 

In many parts of WA, water resources are already fully allocated, which means new licences can only be obtained through water licence trading. This process allows you to purchase or lease water entitlements from existing licence holders but finding the right seller, negotiating terms, and ensuring the trade is approved can be tricky. 

BD Water has one of the largest databases of water trades in WA, giving our clients an unmatched advantage. We connect buyers and sellers, match allocations to your project needs, and manage all the compliance details so the trade goes through smoothly. 

With our experience, you’re not just “buying water” you’re securing a resource that’s legally sound, fit for purpose, and integrated into your long-term water management plan. 

Why Integration Matters 

Many companies can handle bore installation and irrigation, but they leave the licensing side for you to figure out. That’s where delays and compliance issues creep in. 

At BD Water, we bring these services together. This means when we drill your bore, we’ve already factored in your licence conditions. When we install your irrigation system, we ensure it’s designed to operate within your allocation limits. And when we set up your water meters, we make sure they provide the data you need for annual compliance reporting. 

This integrated approach doesn’t just save time it removes the risk of costly mistakes caused by miscommunication between different contractors. 

Explore our compliance services here.

Over the years, we’ve seen the same licensing mistakes crop up again and again often from people trying to DIY or using contractors who don’t understand the whole picture. Here are some we can help you avoid: 

• Incomplete or incorrect applications – A single missing detail can delay approval for months. 

• Non-compliant bore locations – Drilling in the wrong area can breach licence conditions and have significant negative impacts on the environment or other groundwater users. 

• Overuse of allocated volume – Without proper monitoring, it’s easy to exceed your entitlement. 

• Late monthly, quarterly and annual reports – Missed deadlines can put your licence at risk. 

Our licensing team lives and breathes these requirements. We know what DWER is looking for, how to avoid red flags, and how to keep your project on track.