Water Quantity
Water Quantity
The Water Quantity Program is responsible for balancing in-stream and out-of-stream water uses for the benefit of Connecticut citizens and the environment. Our goal is to promote water conservation to ensure plentiful water for all users.
Within the Water Quantity Program, the Consumptive Water Diversion Program regulates the withdrawal or transfer of surface water or groundwater exceeding 50,000 gallons per day through Water Diversion Registrations and Permits. Out-of-stream uses involve removing water or diverting water from surface water or groundwater for an economic use. Some examples of businesses that use the state's water include, but are not limited to:
- Public water supply companies
- Golf courses
- Wholesale plant nurseries
- Produce growers
- Ski mountain resorts
- Various other industries
Active consumptive water diversion permits and registrations must report daily water use in an annual report to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). Water use data is collected and analyzed by DEEP in an effort to keep the water budget balanced. The data helps DEEP to make better scientific and policy decisions on consumptive water diversion permits and watershed planning for the future. For more information on water diversion reporting and the requirements, visit the Water Diversion Reporting webpage.
If you believe you may need a consumptive water diversion permit, please contact the Consumptive Water Diversion program at DEEP.WaterDiversion@ct.gov.
Photo: CT DEEP - Example of a permittee diverting water to irrigate grass at a facility
Other Programs and Resources
- Aquifer Protection Program
- Connecticut Drought Information Center
- Connecticut Water Planning Council
- Flood Management
- GreenerGovCT
- Stream Flow Standards and Regulations
United States Geological Survey (USGS) Programs and Links
- USGS National Water Dashboard
- New England Water Science Center
- Current Streamflow Conditions in Connecticut by Station Name and Number
- Connecticut Streamflow and Sustainable Water Use Estimator
Contact information:
If you have questions, or for further information on the program, please contact us at:
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Water Protection and Land Reuse
Water Planning and Management Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127
Phone: (860) 424-3020
Email: DEEP.WaterDiversion@ct.gov
Content last updated February 10, 2026