Water Resource PermitsHandbook Page

Water Resource Permits

Washington State has what appears to be a bountiful water supply. However, because of geographic and seasonal shortages, people cannot always have all the water they feel they need. Also, the total water supply is finite. There will never be more. Washington's population is increasing and along with this growth, there is an associated expanded water demand for all purposes -- domestic, industrial, agricultural, power and recreation. Water is also a critical component of fish habitat. Significant efforts are being undertaken to protect and restore stream flows for fisheries. The permits listed in this section are part of Washington's water resource management strategy, a strategy intended to ensure an adequate and clean supply of water for all purposes.

Permits:

Dam Construction Permit: Constructing, modifying, or repairing any dam or controlling works for storage of 10 or more acre-feet of water, waste, or mine tailings.

Notice of Intent to Construct or Decommission a Well:
Drilling activities that include
- deepening
- alteration
- reconstruction or
- decommissioning of wells.

Reservoir Permit: Constructing a barrier across a stream, channel, or water course if the barrier will create a reservoir and construction of an off-stream impoundment exceeding the size limits given above. If the impoundment is to be constructed in the stream channel, an HPA may be required by the department of Fish and Wildlife. If the impoundment is to be constructed off- stream and filled from a stream, then a permit for water diversion to fill the impoundment will be required.

Water Right Change: To change the place of use, point of diversion or withdrawal, add additional points of diversions or withdrawals, or change the purpose of use of an existing water right.

Water Right, New (Permit to Withdraw or Divert Surface or Ground Water): To withdraw water except as listed above.

Well Construction and Operator's License: A drilling license is required for all drilling activities for all types of wells including: � water wells � monitoring wells � geotech soil borings � environmental investigations wells � dewatering systems � geothermal heat pump borings.

Permit Handbook