CO · Expiry & renewal tracking
Extend your water concession in its final year so abstraction never continues without one
Water concessions in Colombia last at most ten years, or up to fifty for public services or works of public interest (Article 2.2.3.2.7.4 of Decreto 1076 de 2015). An extension may be requested only during the last year of the term (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4); after expiry, abstraction continues without a concession.
Any natural or legal person, public or private, needs a concession to acquire the right to use water for purposes such as domestic supply requiring diversion, irrigation, industrial use, power generation, mining or oil extraction, aquaculture and other similar uses (Article 2.2.3.2.7.1 of Decreto 1076 de 2015). The term of each concession is set in the resolution granting it, taking into account the nature and duration of the activity so that the use is economically viable and socially beneficial (Article 2.2.3.2.7.3).
Concessions are granted for a term of no more than ten (10) years, except those for providing public services or building works of public or social interest, which may be granted for periods of up to fifty (50) years (Article 2.2.3.2.7.4). They may be extended, except for reasons of public interest (Article 2.2.3.2.7.5), but only during the last year of the period for which they were granted (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4). Supply is subject to availability of the resource and chronological precedence confers no priority (Article 2.2.3.2.7.2).
Every concession carries, as an essential condition of its continuation, the unalterability of the conditions set in the resolution; any modification requires prior authorisation (Article 2.2.3.2.8.6). The grounds for forfeiture (caducidad) are those of Article 62 of Decreto Ley 2811 de 1974, including serious or repeated breach of obligations such as failing to build the abstraction works according to the approved plans or breaching the duties to preserve water quality (Article 2.2.3.2.24.4). The discharge permit and the air emissions permit are separate authorisations with their own terms.
At a glance
| Who needs it | Any natural or legal person using water for the purposes of Article 2.2.3.2.7.1 of Decreto 1076 de 2015 |
|---|---|
| Who sets the term | The resolution granting the concession, according to the nature and duration of the activity (Article 2.2.3.2.7.3) |
| Maximum validity | Ten (10) years; up to fifty (50) for public services or works of public or social interest (Article 2.2.3.2.7.4) |
| Extension | Possible, except for reasons of public interest (Article 2.2.3.2.7.5) |
| When to request it | Only during the last year of the granted period (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4) |
| Conditions | Unalterable; any modification requires prior authorisation (Article 2.2.3.2.8.6) |
| Forfeiture | Grounds of Article 62 of Decreto Ley 2811 de 1974, including serious or repeated breach (Article 2.2.3.2.24.4) |
| Transfer | Requires authorisation from the environmental authority (Articles 2.2.3.2.8.7 to 2.2.3.2.8.9) |
Ten and fifty years are legal maximums; each concession's validity is the one set in its resolution (Article 2.2.3.2.7.3).
Who is responsible?
The concession holder, beneficiary of the resolution granting it: it must keep the imposed conditions unchanged, request prior authorisation for any modification (Article 2.2.3.2.8.6 of Decreto 1076 de 2015) and request the extension during the last year of the period (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4). A holder of a concession for providing a public service must also meet conditions of effectiveness, regularity and continuity, on pain of forfeiture (Article 2.2.3.2.8.10).
If the deadline passes
Concessions may be extended only during the last year of the period for which they were granted, except for reasons of public interest (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4 of Decreto 1076 de 2015). Once the term ends without an extension, the right of use lapses and abstraction continues without a concession, whereas everyone needs a concession to use water for those purposes (Article 2.2.3.2.7.1). In addition, serious or repeated breach of obligations is a ground for forfeiture under Article 62 of Decreto Ley 2811 de 1974 (Article 2.2.3.2.24.4), which can end the concession before its expiry.
The extension can only be requested in the final year
It cannot be requested years in advance or after expiry: the rule limits the extension to the last year of the granted period (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4 of Decreto 1076 de 2015). Since the procedure includes a site visit and publication, it is wise to file the request as soon as that final year begins.
Tracking it with ExpirySuite
- Add each concession as a record, with the resolution number, the source and the flow rate, and enter as the expiry date the one set in the granting act or the latest extension.
- Email reminders arrive 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before and on the day; since the extension can only be requested in the final year, also set a 365-day advance notice so you file as soon as that window opens.
- The environmental team can upload the extension filing receipt and, later, the granting resolution through a secure link that is valid for 14 days and needs no account; then update the date to the new validity.
- Assign the environmental management or utilities team as responsible; if the date passes without an extension, managers get further reminders 3, 7 and 14 days later.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does a water concession last?
- The term set in the resolution, no more than ten (10) years; concessions for public services or works of public or social interest may be granted for up to fifty (50) years (Articles 2.2.3.2.7.3 and 2.2.3.2.7.4 of Decreto 1076 de 2015).
- When can I request the extension?
- Only during the last year of the period for which the concession was granted, except for reasons of public interest (Article 2.2.3.2.8.4 of Decreto 1076 de 2015).
- Is the extension automatic?
- No. Concessions may be extended, except for reasons of public interest (Article 2.2.3.2.7.5 of Decreto 1076 de 2015); it must be requested and decided by the environmental authority.
- Can I change the flow rate or the use?
- Every concession carries the unalterability of the imposed conditions; any modification requires requesting the corresponding authorisation beforehand and proving the need for the change (Article 2.2.3.2.8.6 of Decreto 1076 de 2015).
- When is a concession forfeited?
- On the grounds of Article 62 of Decreto Ley 2811 de 1974, including serious or repeated breach, such as not building the works according to the approved plans or breaching the duty to preserve water quality (Article 2.2.3.2.24.4 of Decreto 1076 de 2015).
Sources
Last checked: Oct 14, 2026 · This page summarises official sources for general information and is not legal advice. Check the linked sources for current rules and fees.
Made for water abstraction concession (Colombia)
A ready template for water abstraction concession (Colombia) with sensible validity defaults, so you enter less and track more.
Reminders on time
Email alerts at 60, 30, 14, 7 and 1 day before each water abstraction concession (Colombia) expires, plus overdue escalation to managers.
Assign an owner
Give each water abstraction concession (Colombia) an owner and let employees update their own via a secure link — no login needed.