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Heat pumps and geothermal probes; notification of boreholes for installation

Drilling for the installation of geothermal probe systems and groundwater heat pumps must be reported to the responsible district administrative authority in order to protect the soil and groundwater against contamination.

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Procedure details

In order to inform building owners, planners, specialist tradesmen and drilling companies about geothermal probes and to show the way to the proper construction of a system, the Ministries for the Environment and Consumer Protection and for Economic Affairs and Media, Energy and Technology, together with the Bundesverband WärmePumpe (BWP) e. V., have published a guide for the construction of geothermal probes for heat pump systems. In addition to basic statements on water law assessment, it provides information and recommendations on what must be observed when constructing and operating a geothermal probe system and provides information on the necessary application documents.

The guide has been updated due to technical developments and legal changes and has been reprinted in a 4th edition. It can be downloaded from the Internet (see "Further links").

Boreholes for the installation of geothermal probe systems must be reported to the responsible district administrative authority to protect the soil and groundwater against contamination.
If the boreholes for the geothermal probes reach into the groundwater, a permit under water law is generally required.

Work that penetrates so deeply into the ground that it may have a direct or indirect effect on the movement, level or quality of the groundwater must be notified to the competent authority one month before the work begins.

If one month has passed since the notification without a cessation or removal order having been issued in accordance with Section 49 (3) WHG, the work may be commenced and carried out until the groundwater is affected.

The Bavarian State Office for the Environment (LfU) must be notified of all geological investigations (including drilling) two weeks before work begins (see "Related topics").

  • Well drilling; display
    If you want to drill a well, you must indicate this.
  • Earth excavation; display

    Anyone who drills a borehole, builds a well or carries out other work that penetrates so deeply into the ground that it could affect the groundwater must report this to the authorities.

  • Geological survey; display
    Before starting a geological survey in Bavaria, the State Office for the Environment must be notified and the data obtained must be submitted after completion of the work.
  • Water rights; application for a permit
    An official permit is required for any impact on a body of water that is not of minor importance.
Status: 14.11.2024
Editorial responsibility Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Umwelt und Verbraucherschutz
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