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 permits and registrations. 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

Irrigation of a turf field with a water cannon