London abstraction licensing strategy

This abstraction licensing strategy is for the London catchment in the Thames river basin district.

Our approach ensures that we:

• meet river basin management plan objectives for water resources activities
• avoid deterioration within the catchment

Our guidance on managing water abstraction gives the technical explanation, legal and policy requirements behind the strategy.

Please see our guidance if you need to:

• check if you need a licence to abstract water
• check if you need a licence to impound water
• apply for an abstraction or impounding licence