Water abstraction charge - submitting a declaration for determination

The charge is based on the origin, quantity and intended use of the water.

Exceptions to the obligation to pay charges can be found in § 103 of the Baden-Württemberg Water Act. Exceptions can be, for example, the use of water

• for fishing purposes
• for the irrigation of agricultural, horticultural and forestry land
• for minor uses

Since January 1, 2015, the charge levied has been earmarked for water management purposes such as flood protection measures and water ecology.

As a person liable for payment, you must for the past assessment period

• submit the declaration of remuneration without being requested to do so
• by January 31 or March 31 of the following year
• to the lower water authority responsible for you
• with all the information required to determine the charge, in particular the quantity of water withdrawn
• submitting the necessary documents.

You will receive an annual notification of the fee assessment (assessment notice).

If the application is incomplete, the lower water authority can also determine the fee by means of an estimate. In the event of late submission, it may levy a late surcharge.

The lower water authority determines in a basic decision whether the requirements for a reduction for the use of water from surface waters or groundwater in accordance with Sections 105 and 106 of the Baden-Württemberg Water Act are met.
This decision contains

• the amount of the eligible share of the expenses and
• the settlement period.

• Documents to determine the amount of water withdrawn
• For subsequent applications: copy of the previous year's assessment notice
• for subsequent applications: water withdrawal fee number

• by January 31 of the following year
• if you apply for a discount: by March 31 of the following year

• for the use of water from surface waters or groundwater for the public water supply: EUR 0.10 per cubic meter
• for the use of groundwater: EUR 0.051 per cubic meter
• for the use of water from surface waters: EUR 0.015 per cubic meter

 Water Act for Baden-Württemberg (WG) (opens in a new tab)

• § Section 100 Charges for water abstraction
• § Section 101 Definitions
• § Section 102 Uses subject to payment
• § Section 103 Exemptions from the obligation to pay charges
• § Section 104 Basis of assessment, rate of charge
• § Section 105 Reduction for surface waters
• § Section 106 (Reduction for groundwater)
• § Section 107 Cases of hardship
• § Section 108 Determination, advance payment, due date
• § Section 109 Basic decision
• § Section 110 Evidence for reductions
• § 111 Evidence for hardship cases
• § Section 112 Cancellation, amendment, subsequent collection
• § Section 113 Application of the Fiscal Code; State Administrative Procedure Act
• § Section 114 Duty to report