Vorzeitiges Einleiten von Abwasser in Gewässer beantragen

§ 17 Water Resources Act (WHG)

Would you like to discharge wastewater into an above-ground body of water and/or into the groundwater via infiltration before the permit is granted? Then you have to apply for an approval of the premature start of water use.

For the premature start of water use, a permit is required in Germany. For this purpose, a permit or experience must already be applied for at the competent authority with regard to the use of water.

The approval of the early start of the discharge of waste water is granted by the competent water authority.

Authorisation may only be granted if an application for a permit for waste water discharge has already been submitted to the competent authority and all the necessary requirements have been met.

The required documentation depends on the wastewater (precipitation water, waste water, mixed water) that is to be discharged into the above-ground body of water and / or via the subsoil into the groundwater.

Authorisation may be granted (discretion) if:

• a permit application has already been submitted
• a decision in favor of the discharger can be expected
• there is a public interest or a legitimate interest of the user at the premature start

and the discharger undertakes to compensate for all damage caused by the discharge until the decision has been made and, if the discharge is not permitted, to restore the previous state.

An administrative fee must be paid to the respective federal state for the administrative service Admission early start. The administration fee is based on the respective state law provisions on the administrative fees.

• The authority will explain to you the approval procedure for early commencement.
• You submit the application documents.
• Authority checks your application documents and, if necessary, asks you to submit documents later In addition, the authority can contact other authorities.
• You submit documents; Bodies concerned shall give their opinion.
• Authority examines subsequently submitted documents and comments received.
• Authority prepares the approval.
• You will receive the letter of admission for early commencement.
• You pay the administrative costs

The processing time depends on the quality and scope of the applications and documents submitted.

The application must be submitted at an early stage, as a discharge of wastewater into surface water and / or via the subsoil into the groundwater may only take place with the granting of the approval of the early start.

An objection to the authorisation may be lodged within one month of notification.

• Discharge of waste water into water bodies Approval early start
• Approval for the discharge of wastewater (precipitation water, waste water, mixed water) into an above-ground body of water / via infiltration into the groundwater
• an authorisation for the premature start of water use can be applied for in Germany.

Contact the water authority in your county or city.

The description and execution of the individual forms varies from one federal state to another. Generally formulated, there are application forms, checklists and information sheets as declarations or forms.

• If applicable, link to the aforementioned forms: State specific
• Online procedure possible: State specific
• Written form required: State specific
• Personal appearance necessary: State specific

Online procedure: no

Written form required: yes

Personal appearance: no