Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Water Diversion Registration or Permit?

If you are a water user using 50,000 gallons of water or more in any 24-hour period, then you need either a water diversion registration or permit. There are some differences between the two types of authorizations.

Water Diversion Registrations

Registration of water diversions occurred in 1982 and 1983.  It was required by the Water Diversion Policy Act, in Section 22a-368 of the Connecticut General Statutes. Water Diversion Registrations are no longer issued. 

Diversion registration involved the submission of specific information about the diversion to the DEEP to define the diversions that were in use prior to the adoption of the Water Diversion Policy Act on July 1, 1982. That specific information included:

  • Location
  • Capacity
  • Frequency of withdrawal
  • Rate of Withdrawal
  • Description of the water use and water system

This action insulated those diversions from DEEP regulatory review and permitting requirements.  Holders of registrations can continue to operate without needing a permit provided the water diversion has not changed from what was originally registered.

Diverters had until July 1, 1983 to submit registration data.  Acceptance of the registration data meant that the operators of the diversion could continue to use the diversion in the same manner without a diversion permit.  Those who failed to register, or those who have installed new diversions after July 1, 1982, or modified registered diversions, are subject to the permitting requirements of the Water Diversion Policy Act.

If the original registrant is no longer the owner of the property where the diversion registration occurs, a License Transfer Application may be submitted to transfer the diversion registration to a new owner. The DEEP Permit Transfer Fact Sheet provides information for submitting a License Transfer Application.

Water Diversion Permits

Permitting of water diversions was initiated following the cut-off date of July 1, 1983 and continues to this day. Permits typically have more requirements, including more frequent monitoring and detailed reporting, than registrations. If a water user did not register with DEEP during the window of 1982-1983, then a water diversion permit is required. The Water Diversion Program offers two permit processes:

General Permit for Diversion of Water for Consumptive Use Categories:

General permits are a faster and more cost-effective way to permit specific activities. Those wishing to have their particular activity authorized under an approved general permit must meet certain terms and conditions contained within the general permit. A general permit sets terms and conditions for conducting an activity which, when complied with, are protective of the environment.  Four general permits have been issued authorizing these groupings of diversion activities.

  • Reauthorization - requires written request for authorization, no response from the department required
  • Non-filing - no reporting required, certain conditions apply to maintain compliance  
  • Filing Only - requires written request for authorization, no response from the department required
  • Authorization Required -requires written request for authorization and receipt of approval letter
"Individual" Water Diversion Permit
Individual Water Diverion Permits are for those diversions that do not fit into a general permit category or for applicants who wish to obtain a permit with a longer period of authorization than a general permit.  Diversions requiring an individual permit may possibly have more than minimal impact to the environment.  Therefore, proposed activities must be more fully described by the applicant and will receive more comprehensive analysis by DEEP staff.  Additionally, a public hearing may be called for as part of this permitting process.   The application process is covered in Sections 22a-369 - 22a-374 of the Connecticut General Statutes, and within Section 22a-377(c)-2 of the Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies.

Permit Renewal: All general permits have a ten-year duration. Each time a general permit expires, diverters authorized under this general permit must renew by submitting a request for reauthorization for Department approval under the new general permit. Non-filing general permittees must maintain compliance with any changes made but are not required to renew. The current general permit expires in 2027.

For more information on water diversion registrations and permits, contact the Water Diversion Program by email at DEEP.WaterDiversion@ct.gov.

 

Return to the Water Diversion Program home page to access more information.

 

Content last updated October 14, 2025