Apply for a Water Use Permit

Most water rights are obtained in a three-step process. The water user first must apply to the Department for a permit to use water. If a permit is approved, the applicant must construct a water system and begin using water within a certain time frame. After water is applied, the permit holder must hire a certified water right examiner to complete a survey of water use and submit to the Department a map and a report detailing how and where water has been applied.  If water has been used according to the provisions of the permit, a water right certificate is issued after evaluation of the report findings.

There are 4 main types of water right permit applications:

• Groundwater Application (.docx) – required to use water from a well.
• Surface Water Application (.docx) – required to use water from a river, reservoir, or pond.
• Reservoir Application (standard review process) (.docx) – required to construct and store water in a reservoir or pond.
• Reservoir Application (alternate review process) (.docx) – use this form for a reservoir storing less than 9.2 acre-feet or has a dam less than 10 feet high.