From April 2011, you will be able to submit your water abstraction returns using our new online reporting system called Generic Operator Returns (GOR).
You can either:
- complete the online web screens
- use our water resource GOR spreadsheet application, or
- if you are familiar with compiling complex data in XML format you can use our XML schema to submit your returns.
We will start to write to licence holders from March 2011 onwards with more details and will supply login information.
Paper forms
Although we are aiming to phase out paper-based returns to benefit the environment and to reduce administration costs, we will send you a paper return if you prefer.
You will be sent a paper form or you can request one by contacting the National Operator Returns team on 0370 8506506 (Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm). Key details about your water abstraction licence will already be entered on the form.
Supporting files
Further Information
For further information contact the GOR Helpdesk on 0370 8506506 (Monday - Friday, 8am-6pm) or email us:
What is GOR?
GOR is the website through which you will be able to login and make your water abstraction licence returns, telling us how much water you have abstracted. It is important for us to understand how much water you have abstracted.
We run compliance checks so where necessary we can work with abstractors to ensure abstraction does not exceed the quantities authorised by a licence. We prefer to work with licence holders to resolve compliance issues. However, if the conditions of a licence are broken, we can take further action to ensure licence conditions are complied with.
If you abstract water for irrigation and hold a two-part tariff agreement, we use your data to calculate your abstraction charges. Without this information we will charge for the full licensed quantity, regardless of actual abstraction.
We also use the data to assess the impact that abstraction has on river flows or wetland sites. Without it we cannot accurately assess the effects nor effectively manage water resources across England & Wales, to ensure the balance is struck between human consumption and the needs of the environment. The data also helps us and partners to assess present and future demands for water.
