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Begin Managing Your Water Resources

Understanding Water Use Regulations in Zambia

What is a Water Permit?

Water permitting is one of the management instruments for allocating water resources to water users in Zambia. According to the Water Resources Management Act No. 21 of 2011 (Sections 70, 71 and 72) the use of water from any water resource, except for domestic and non-commercial purposes, requires a permit or authorization.

Getting your Water Permit

Water Permit Application
Process

Account Registration

Register your account click here to register

Application Submission

Register your account click here to register

Account Registration

Register your account click here to register

Account Registration

Register your account click here to register

Begin Managing Your Water Resources

Why Water Permits Are Essential for Management

Frequently Asked Questions?

You need a water permit for the following actions:

  1. Abstractions (surface water or groundwater) > 10,000 litres/day for domestic purposes and >20,000 litres/day for agricultural purposes
  2. Impounding water (off-channel dam)
  3. Impeding water (weir, on-channel dam, barrage)
  4. Altering a water resource (draining wetland or restoration)
  5. Variation of permit
  6. Using a river or lake for navigation or recreation purposes
  7. Obtaining an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and endorsement by ZEMA
  8. Obtaining a mining licence with endorsement by Director of Mines

No. You need a permit for each of the actions above. You can apply for multiple permits.

Applying for a water permit is easy and can be done online

  1. Create an account if you don't have one
  2. Login to your account
  3. Apply for a permit. You can apply for than one permit
  4. Settle the generated invoices by depositing money in the bank account indicated
  5. Attach your proof of payment to the generated invoice
  6. Download the certificate your permit

You monitor the progress of your application at any time by using the track application feature

Official Contacts for Regional Water Resource Management

Sub-Catchment Contact Details

Zambezi Catchment

Zambezi

Junction of Airport Road/Chitimukulu Road

Adjacent to APG Milling Company

+260 211 224567

Kafue Catchment

Ndola

Room 82

Civic Centre

+260 211 224567

Luangwa Catchment

Kabwe

Plot 2005 / 200

Dambo Road, Light Industrial Area

+260 211 224567

Chambeshi Catchment

Chambeshi

Room 82

Civic Centre

+260 211 224567

Luapula Catchment

TBA

TBA

TBA

+260 211 224567

Tanganyika Catchment

TBA

TBA

TBA

+260 211 224567

Begin Managing Your Water Resources

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