Is it illegal to drill wells?

Drilling wells without authorization violates the provisions of China's water law and will be fined more than 20,000 yuan100,000 yuan. If the circumstances are serious, the water permit shall be revoked. Because units and individuals that directly take water from rivers, lakes or underground should apply to the water administrative department or river basin management institution for water intake permit, pay the water resource fee and obtain the right to take water in accordance with the provisions of the national water intake permit system and the paid use system of water resources.

Legal basis: Article 36 of People's Republic of China (PRC) Water Law.

In areas where groundwater is over-exploited, local people's governments at or above the county level shall take measures to strictly control the exploitation of groundwater. In areas where groundwater is seriously over-exploited, with the approval of the people's governments of provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government, areas where groundwater exploitation is prohibited or restricted may be designated. The exploitation of groundwater in coastal areas should be scientifically demonstrated, and measures should be taken to prevent land subsidence and seawater intrusion.

Article 69

In case of any of the following acts, the water administrative department of the people's government at or above the county level or the river basin management institution shall, according to its functions and powers, order it to stop the illegal act, take remedial measures within a time limit and impose a fine of not less than 20,000 yuan but not more than 100,000 yuan; If the circumstances are serious, its water permit shall be revoked:

(1) taking water without approval;

(two) failing to take water in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the approved water intake permit.