The DNREC Division of Water oversees major water withdrawals, greater than 50,000 gallons per day, from any surface water or groundwater source in Delaware. It permits and allocates withdrawals through the Water Supply Assessment and Protection (WSAP) program.

The Division permits water allocations under the Regulations Governing the Allocation of Water (7 DE Admin. Code 7303).

The program regulates the following types of systems:

• Industrial water systems that use ground or surface water as part of their industrial processes and withdraw over 50,000 gallons per day (GPD).
• Public water systems that provide potable drinking water and withdraw over 50,000 GPD.
• Irrigation systems that use ground or surface water for their crops and withdraw over 50,000 GPD.

All allocation permits use the same application, but industrial and public systems answer questions about their systems that are not required of irrigators, and any industrial or public application requires a notary public.

The program conducts long-term water supply planning and water conservation efforts in coordination with public and private sector partners. It collects, manages and evaluates water use data for more than 500 public, industrial, and irrigation systems located throughout the state.

Water Allocation Permitting

A water allocation permit is required for all major water withdrawals under the Regulations Governing the Allocation of Water.

Water Use Reporting

Water allocation permit holders are required to record and report water usage each year. These reports are used by the Division of Water in long-term water supply planning and water conservation efforts.

Well and Water Use Permit Data

The Division of Water maintains a database of water well and water use data derived from permit applications, reports from permit holders and well completion and abandonment reports.

Water Conservation

Drought watches, warnings and emergencies in Delaware are declared by the Governor, with guidance from the Water Supply Coordinating Council.

Source Water Assessment and Protection

The Division of water works with several partners to provide for the assessment and protection of sources of public drinking water from both surface water and groundwater sources.

Related Topics:  allocation, clean water, commercial, government, permitting and regulation, water, water supply, wells, withdrawal