Well drilling legislation: What documents are needed in 2025

Documents required for water well drilling

In Romania, drilling a water well requires obtaining specific authorizations. Here's what you need to know to be okay with the law.

1. Water management approval (AGA)

Issuer: Romanian National Water Administration (ANAR) - Water Basin Administration

When necessary:

• For wells with depth > 50m
• For wells with flow rate > 10 mc/day
• For industrial or commercial use

Required documents:

• Request type
• Property deed or rental agreement
• Situation plan (1:5000)
• Hydrogeological study (for high flows)
• Approval fee: 100-500 lei

Duration: 30-60 days

2. Building permit

Issuer: Local City Hall

When required:

• For outbuildings (homes, sheds)
• For fixed pumping installations

3. Notification to DSP (Directorate of Public Health)

When needed: For drinking water

What you need to do:

• Analyze the water at an authorized laboratory
• Submit the results to DSP
• Get the health certificate

4. Registration with the Water Management System

After drilling is complete, you must:

• Submit the drilling sheet to ANAR
• You record the well in the records
• You pay the annual household fee (if applicable)

Special cases

Wells for domestic use (without AGA)

For wells:

• Depth < 50m
• Flow rate < 10 mc/day
• Strictly domestic use

AGM is not required, but it is recommended to:

• Notify the town hall
• Keep the drilling documentation
• Analyze the water periodically

Wells in protected areas

In groundwater protection zones (usually 500m around public intakes), boreholes can be:

• Completely prohibited
• Permits only with special approval
• Subject to strict conditions

Fines for non-compliance with the legislation

Breach	Fine (natural persons)	Fine (legal entities)
Drilling without AGM approval (when mandatory)	1,000-3,000 lei	5,000-10,000 lei
Not registering the well	500-1,500 lei	2,000-5,000 lei
Groundwater pollution	2,000-5,000 lei	10,000-50,000 lei
Unauthorized extraction of mineral water	5,000-10,000 lei	20,000-100,000 lei

Practical recommendations

1. Check local legislation - Some town halls have specific regulations
2. Hire an authorized company - They know the procedures and can guide you
3. Keep all documents - Drilling sheet, notices, invoices
4. Analyze the water periodically - At least once a year
5. Learn about your area - Some areas have special restrictions

Conclusion

Well drilling legislation in Romania may seem complicated, but following it protects you in the long run. A professional company will guide you through the whole process and help you obtain all the necessary approvals.