National Water Well Drillers Licensing System
In Australia, people who drill wells or bores to access water from underground must be licensed.
The aim of licensing drillers or people who carry out bore construction, abandonment or any other work on an existing bore is to ensure:
* the protection of the groundwater resource from contamination, deterioration and undue completion
* the long term economic production of groundwater of the best possible quality
Why have a Licensing System?
In the past, the licensing of Water Well drillers was very fragmented. Different structures and procedures were developed and used by each State or Territory, creating problems for both drillers and licensing authorities. The introduction of national uniformity of licensing means that the technical knowledge and skills of a driller licensed in one State or Territory are now being recognised nationally.
Licence Classifications
Under the system now, drillers licences are classified according to the type of aquifers and are endorsed with the drilling methods that may be used. This ensures the skills, knowledge and experience of a driller will match the groundwater protection requirements. The classifications are:
Class 1: restricted to drilling operations in single non-flowing aquifer systems ie. water table aquifers.
Class 2: in addition to operating in Class 1 conditions, permits drilling operations in multiple on-flowing aquifer systems i.e. confined aquifers.
Class 3: in addition to operating in Class 1 & 2 conditions, permits drilling operations in flowing aquifer systems i.e. artesian aquifers.
The drilling method endorsements are: Non-drilling rig, Cable Tool, Auger, Rotary Air and Rotary Mud.
Obtaining a Licence
In order to get a Water Well Drillers Licence, there are 3 components all requiring assessment:
* Theoretical knowledge assessed by written examination
* Experience and skills, assessed orally by the relevant State/Territory Drillers Licensing Board
* Demonstration of knowledge of the Water Act in the relevant State or Territory, assessed by examination
The results of the first two components are nationally recognised.
Individual State/Territory Licensing Committees may also impose various restrictions to licences, depending on the level of skills/abilities of the individual.
Before being considered for a licence, a person must gain a specified minimum amount of practical experience for the class of licence being applied for.
How to go about applying for a Drillers Licence for Waterwell drilling
Firstly, you must have some practical experience of waterwell drilling in the class of license you intend to apply for. This is usually gained by working with another licensed driller.
In the state where you intend to work, you need to apply first to the relevant licensing body as listed below. They will then advise you of the subsequent steps, which vary slightly from state to state. For more information, contact:
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NSW and ACT
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Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW)
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1800 353 104
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Northern Territory
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Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts & Sports (NRETAS)
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08 8999 3660
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Queensland
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Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM)
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07 4048 4875
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South Australia
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Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC)
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08 8463 6881
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Victoria
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Southern Rural Water
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03 5139 3100
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Western Australia
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ADIA
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03 9770 4000
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You must successfully complete an examination for your application for a Drillers Licence to be considered by the relevant State/Territory Drillers Licensing Committee/Board. In reviewing your application for a Drillers Licence, the Licensing Committee/Board will assess both your theoretical knowledge (from the results of this examination) and your practical experience and skills.
This examination is conducted by correspondence in most states.
Click here for the latest information on Drillers Licensing examinations - results, advice and costs
©ADITC 2010 WIAB2.1
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