Inland Wetlands and Watercourses

Connecticut has a long history of protecting its land and water resources. In 1972, the state legislature enacted the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act (IWWA). This law provides an orderly regulatory process that balances the need for economic growth with the need to protect our environment. The IWWA declares it is the public policy of Connecticut to require municipal regulation of activities affecting inland wetlands and watercourses. As a result, every municipality has established an inland wetlands agency to implement and enforce the law. These agencies play a vital role in protecting our natural resources and in shaping our state's landscape. The DEEP's Inland Wetlands Management Program assists Connecticut's 169 municipalities and the public in administering and understanding the IWWA. For additional information, please view the links provided on the left side of this page. Connecticut's citizens will find the General Information page helpful.
 

Announcements

CELEBRATE! 50 Years of Connecticut's Inland Wetlands & Watercourses Act: 1972 - 2022 

Connecticut's Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act was enacted on May 19, 1972 (Public Act No. 155). This important legislation recognized that inland wetlands and watercourses are an indispensable and irreplaceable natural resource essential to an adequate supply of surface water, the control of flooding and erosion, and the existence of many forms of animal, aquatic and plant life. In passing the law, the Connecticut General Assembly acknowledged that many inland wetlands and watercourses had been destroyed due to unregulated uses such as filling, diversion of water flow, and pollution; and that such unregulated use has had, and will continue to have, a significant and adverse impact on the ecological, scenic, historic and recreational values provided by these resources. Further, the General Assembly found that the preservation and protection of inland wetlands and watercourses was in the public interest and essential to the health, welfare and safety of Connecticut's citizens. To learn more about the General Assembly's reasons for enacting this important law, read the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act Legislative Finding.  NOW AVAILABLE! The Municipal Inland Wetlands Agency Comprehensive Training Program

This free, online course was custom built to allow Connecticut's municipal inland wetlands agencies and their staff to carry out the regulatory and training requirements of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Act. This program examines key sections of the law, discusses important procedures for conducting agency business, reviews stream crossing guidelines and resource restoration techniques, and more! The training program is not limited to municipal officials, and DEEP encourages participation by interested individuals. See the Training for Wetland Agencies page for additional information and a registration link.  Municipal Regulations 
Inland wetlands agencies are to submit proposed and adopted regulations via email. View the Legislation, Regulation & Case Law page for additional information.

Municipal Contact Information 
A directoryof municipal inland wetlands agency staff (inland wetlands agents) is provided as a service to the public and is updated periodically. Please consult your town or city website, or contact the town or city clerk, for current information. Inland wetlands agencies and staff - please ensure your contact information is current. Provide updates using the Notification of Change Form.
Content last updated on March 4, 2022