Zambia WARMA: Water Permits, Borehole Registration and Driller Licences

Summary of the "Permitting and Licensing" page of the Water Resources Management Authority (WARMA). Only stated points are included.

Key points

WARMA issues water permits under the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011 (Sections 70-72). Water use from any resource needs a permit or authorization, except for domestic and non-commercial purposes.
Surface and groundwater permits: the page lists title deed (or Chief's letter for customary land), two application forms, receipt for the application fee, a newspaper advertisement, a ZEMA EIA approval letter if civil works are involved, and design drawings with reports.
Borehole registration: a signed "Application to drill a borehole" form and landowner consent or title deed. Domestic users add a sketch map within a 30-metre radius showing distance from septic tanks, pit latrines or other pollution sources. Non-domestic users add a site investigation report covering existing boreholes within 250 m, pollution sources, proposed depth and casing diameter.
Drilling company licences: the page lists an application form with PACRA shareholding details, updated EIZ company registration, a current EIZ practising licence for the hydrogeologist or geologist, credentials of the drillers' supervisor and drillers, Drillers Association of Zambia membership, and information on rigs, trucks, pump-testing kits and support staff.
Dewatering needs WARMA Form B, Technical Dewatering Form C and proof of payment of the applicable fees.
WARMA operates 167 surface water stations and 72 groundwater stations.

Not verified: fee amounts, processing times and pump specifications; the page gives none.

General information only. Not legal or technical advice. Confirm with WARMA.