Water regulations play a crucial role in shaping how United States communities manage and use their water resources. Each state has its own laws governing water use, conservation, and development. Understanding these regulations is essential for developers who must acquire permits to start building. We’ve researched the organizations that regulate water in each state and collected the information for you.

Alabama: Water regulations are primarily governed by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The state follows the Alabama Water Resources Act, which governs water allocation, usage, and quality. Developers in Alabama must obtain permits from ADEM for water withdrawals, discharge, and other water-related activities.

Alaska: Alaska’s water regulations are managed by the Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water quality and habitat protection, with stringent regulations on wastewater discharge and water use. Developers must navigate the Alaska Water Use Act and various permits for water-related projects.

Arizona: Water regulations are overseen by the Arizona Department of Water Resources and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. Given the arid climate, water conservation is a top priority in Arizona. Developers must adhere to regulations governing groundwater pumping, surface water diversion, and water reuse.

Arkansas: The state manages its water resources through the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission and the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality. Arkansas focuses on water quality preservation and sustainable management practices. Developers must comply with regulations on water pollution control, streamflow protection, and wetland conservation.

California: California’s water regulations are among the most complex because of water scarcity issues and competing demands. The State Water Resources Control Board oversees water quality and allocation, while the Department of Water Resources manages water supply and infrastructure. Developers face rigorous permitting processes, especially for groundwater extraction and water rights.

Colorado: The state’s water regulations are governed by the Colorado Division of Water Resources and the Colorado Water Conservation Board. It operates under a system of prior appropriation, where water rights are allocated based on seniority. Developers must navigate water rights transfers, augmentation plans, and compliance with instream flow requirements.

Connecticut: Water regulations are managed by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. The state prioritizes water quality protection and watershed management. Developers need permits for water discharge, wetlands alteration, and water diversion projects.

Delaware: Water regulations are overseen by the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. The state focuses on water quality improvement and pollution prevention. Developers must obtain permits for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and shoreline protection projects.

Florida: Water regulations are governed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and five water management districts. The state emphasizes water conservation, ecosystem restoration, and flood control. Developers must comply with regulations on water withdrawal, aquifer recharge, and coastal development.

Georgia: Water regulations are managed by the Environmental Protection Division and the Department of Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water conservation and sustainable use practices. Developers need permits for water withdrawals, dam construction, and waterway encroachments.

Hawaii: The state’s water regulations are overseen by the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch and the Commission on Water Resource Management. Given its unique island ecosystem, Hawaii prioritizes water conservation, groundwater protection, and watershed management. Developers must obtain permits for water withdrawals, wastewater discharge, and shoreline development projects.

Idaho: Water regulations are managed by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. The state operates under the doctrine of prior appropriation, where water rights are allocated based on seniority. Idaho emphasizes water conservation, aquifer recharge, and protection of instream flows. Developers must navigate water rights transfers, irrigation district agreements, and compliance with water quality standards.

Illinois: Water regulations are overseen by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The state focuses on water quality protection, floodplain management, and wetland conservation. Developers must obtain permits for stormwater management, wastewater treatment, and waterway construction projects.

Indiana: Water regulations are managed by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water quality improvement, watershed planning, and groundwater protection. Developers need permits for stormwater discharge, wetland impacts, and waterway dredging projects.

Iowa: Water regulations are overseen by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The state focuses on water quality monitoring, nutrient management, and floodplain preservation. Developers must comply with regulations on agricultural runoff, wastewater treatment, and erosion control measures.

Kansas: Water regulations are managed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture’s Division of Water Resources and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. The state prioritizes water conservation, groundwater management, and streamflow protection. Developers must navigate water rights permits, irrigation practices, and compliance with water quality standards.

Kentucky: Water regulations are overseen by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet’s Division of Water. The state focuses on water quality improvement, watershed management, and dam safety. Developers must obtain permits for stormwater discharges, dam construction, and water withdrawal projects.

Louisiana: Water regulations are managed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality and the Louisiana Department of Energy and Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water quality protection, coastal restoration, and floodplain management. Developers need permits for wetland impacts, dredging activities, and wastewater discharge projects.

Maine: Water regulations are overseen by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. The state emphasizes water quality monitoring, habitat protection, and shoreline management. Developers must obtain permits for water discharges, dam construction, and shoreline stabilization projects.

Maryland: Water regulations are managed by the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water quality restoration, Chesapeake Bay preservation, and stormwater management. Developers must comply with regulations on sediment control, wetland mitigation, and nutrient pollution reduction.

Massachusetts: Water regulations are overseen by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. The state focuses on water quality protection, watershed management, and coastal resiliency. Developers need permits for water withdrawals, dam repairs, and shoreline development projects.

Michigan: Water regulations are managed by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water quality monitoring, Great Lakes protection, and aquatic habitat restoration. Developers must obtain permits for water withdrawals, dam operations, and shoreline erosion control projects.

Minnesota: Water regulations are overseen by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The state focuses on water quality improvement, watershed management, and aquatic habitat preservation. Developers need permits for stormwater management, wetland impacts, and waterway dredging projects.

Mississippi: Water regulations are managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks. The state prioritizes water quality protection, habitat restoration, and floodplain management. Developers must obtain permits for wetland impacts, dredging activities, and wastewater discharge projects.

Missouri: Water regulations are overseen by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and the Missouri Department of Conservation. The state focuses on water quality improvement, watershed planning, and floodplain preservation. Developers need permits for stormwater management, dam construction, and waterway encroachments.

Montana: Water regulations are managed by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality. The state operates under the prior appropriation doctrine, emphasizing water rights allocation and instream flow protection. Developers must navigate water rights permitting, groundwater pumping restrictions, and compliance with water quality standards.

Nebraska: Water regulations are overseen by the Nebraska Department of Natural Resources and the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy. The state prioritizes water conservation, groundwater management, and streamflow maintenance. Developers need permits for water appropriations, well drilling, and waterway alterations.

Nevada: Water regulations are managed by the Nevada Division of Water Resources and the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection. The state faces challenges of water scarcity and prioritizes water conservation, groundwater recharge, and ecosystem protection. Developers must obtain permits for water rights transfers, groundwater pumping, and water pollution control projects.

New Hampshire: Water regulations are overseen by the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services and the New Hampshire Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. The state focuses on water quality protection, watershed management, and aquatic habitat conservation. Developers must obtain permits for water discharges, dam operations, and shoreline development projects.

New Jersey: Water regulations are managed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and the New Jersey Division of Water Supply and Geoscience. The state prioritizes water quality improvement, stormwater management, and coastal resilience. Developers need permits for water withdrawals, wastewater discharges, and floodplain development projects.

New Mexico: Water regulations are overseen by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer and the New Mexico Environment Department. The state faces the challenges of water scarcity and prioritizes water conservation, groundwater management, and watershed protection. Developers must obtain permits for water rights transfers, well drilling, and water pollution control projects.

New York: Water regulations are managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection. The state focuses on water quality preservation, watershed planning, and infrastructure maintenance. Developers need permits for water withdrawals, dam operations, and wetland impacts.

North Carolina: Water regulations are overseen by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The state prioritizes water quality protection, habitat restoration, and floodplain management. Developers must obtain permits for wetland impacts, dredging activities, and wastewater discharge projects.

North Dakota: Water regulations are managed by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality and the North Dakota State Water Commission. The state focuses on water quality monitoring, floodplain management, and groundwater protection. Developers must obtain permits for water discharges, dam construction, and waterway alterations.

Ohio: Water regulations are overseen by the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The state focuses on water quality improvement, watershed planning, and coastal management. Developers need permits for stormwater discharges, dam repairs, and waterway construction projects.

Oklahoma: Water regulations are managed by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality. The state prioritizes water conservation, groundwater management, and streamflow protection. Developers must obtain permits for water rights transfers, well drilling, and water pollution control projects.

Oregon: Water regulations are overseen by the Oregon Water Resources Department and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The state emphasizes water conservation, watershed management, and instream flow protection. Developers need permits for water rights transfers, dam operations, and waterway alterations.

Pennsylvania: Water regulations are managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The state focuses on water quality improvement, watershed restoration, and floodplain preservation. Developers must obtain permits for stormwater management, dam repairs, and waterway encroachments.

Rhode Island: Water regulations are overseen by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management and the Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council. The state prioritizes water quality protection, coastal management, and habitat restoration. Developers need permits for water discharges, shoreline alterations, and wetland impacts.

South Carolina: Water regulations are managed by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. The state focuses on water quality preservation, coastal resilience, and habitat conservation. Developers must obtain permits for wetland impacts, dredging activities, and wastewater discharge projects.

South Dakota: Water regulations are overseen by the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. The state prioritizes water quality monitoring, watershed management, and groundwater protection. Developers must obtain permits for water discharges, dam operations, and waterway alterations.

Tennessee: Water regulations are managed by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. The state focuses on water quality improvement, floodplain management, and aquatic habitat restoration. Developers need permits for stormwater discharges, dam repairs, and waterway construction projects.

Texas: Water regulations are overseen by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board. The state faces challenges of water scarcity and prioritizes water conservation, groundwater management, and flood control. Developers must obtain permits for water withdrawals, wastewater discharges, and dam construction projects.

Utah: Water regulations are managed by the Utah Division of Water Resources and the Utah Department of Environmental Quality. The state emphasizes water conservation, groundwater recharge, and streamflow management. Developers need permits for water rights transfers, well drilling, and water pollution control projects.

Vermont: Water regulations are overseen by the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The state focuses on water quality protection, watershed management, and aquatic habitat restoration. Developers must obtain permits for water discharges, dam operations, and shoreline development projects.

Virginia: Water regulations are managed by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. The state prioritizes water quality improvement, Chesapeake Bay restoration, and floodplain management. Developers need permits for stormwater discharges, dam repairs, and waterway construction projects.

Washington: Water regulations are overseen by the Washington State Department of Ecology and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. The state emphasizes water conservation, habitat protection, and salmon recovery. Developers need permits for water withdrawals, shoreline alterations, and wetland impacts.

Washington, D.C.: Water regulations in Washington, D.C., are overseen by the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE). The district prioritizes water quality improvement, stormwater management, and watershed protection. Developers must comply with regulations for stormwater management, wetland preservation, and water quality monitoring. Obtaining the necessary permits from the DOEE is crucial for projects involving water use and conservation within the district.

West Virginia: Water regulations are managed by the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. The state focuses on water quality preservation, watershed management, and dam safety. Developers must obtain permits for stormwater discharges, dam repairs, and waterway encroachments.

Wisconsin: Water regulations are overseen by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. The state prioritizes water quality improvement, watershed planning, and aquatic habitat conservation. Developers need permits for water discharges, dam operations, and shoreline development projects.

Wyoming: Water regulations are managed by the Wyoming State Engineer’s Office and the Wyoming Department of Environmental Quality. The state operates under the doctrine of prior appropriation, emphasizing water rights allocation and instream flow protection. Developers must obtain permits for water rights transfers, well drilling, and water pollution control projects.

Water regulations vary significantly across states, reflecting local water resources, environmental priorities, and development needs. Developers must navigate these regulations carefully to ensure compliance and promote sustainable water management practices. By understanding the nuances of water regulations in each state, communities can effectively plan and develop water resources while safeguarding environmental integrity for future generations.