You must apply for a water right before constructing a well or borehole. You need approval from the Bermuda Environmental Authority before the well or borehole can be constructed.

A well or borehole should be sited no closer than 20 feet from a cesspit and no closer than 10 feet from a neighbour's boundary. It is recommended that as a courtesy you notify your neighbours before arranging for a drilling rig to move in to your property.

How to apply for a water right

Download and complete the 

To complete this application, you will need to make sure you have the following information:

• Property owner information
• Type of property and type of water right desired
• Facilities and/or equipment that will be served by the requested well or borehole

Mail the form and the associated fee to: DENR, 169  South Road within the Botanical Gardens (entrance opposite Peace Lutheran Church).

A hydrogeologist will determine whether the flows proposed on the Water Right application can be accommodated within the current demand for the water lens. The findings of the hydrogeologist and other factors will be considered by the Environmental Authority during their monthly meetings.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources will contact the applicant with the outcome.

Fees

The following fees are in effect as of 1 April 2016:

• Domestic Well (less than 500 imperial gallons per day): $90 every 5 years
• Commercial Well (more than 500 imperial gallons per day): $550 every 5 years

Additional considerations

Well water may be used for flushing and can be suitable for other purposes such as washing machines. It should not, however, be used for drinking, as contaminants and harmful bacteria can be carried through the rock to your well. Untreated well water should never be connected into a household tank and should never be supplied to truckers.