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.

Please note, the application forms for new permit applications are in the process of being updated. For applications received on or after April 1, 2026, the updated application forms must be used. Please check back here for the updated forms that will be available in mid-March.

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.