Ground Water Withdrawal Permits and Fees

Who Must Apply

Any person or entity wishing to withdraw 300,000 or more gallons of ground water per month in the Eastern Virginia Ground Water Management Area or the Eastern Shore Ground Water Management Area.

Authority

• Virginia Ground Water Management Act of 1992 - Virginia Code § 62.1-254 et seq.
• Ground Water Withdrawal Regulations - Virginia Administrative Code 9 VAC 25-610-10 et seq.
• Declaration of Eastern Shore Ground Water Management Area - Virginia Administrative Code 9 VAC 25-620-10 et seq.
• Declaration of Eastern Virginia Ground Water Managemetn Area - Virginia Administrative Code 9 VAC 25-600-20 et seq.

Term

Permits are issued for a maximum term of ten years.

Fees

Individual permit fees range from $1,200 to $6,000.

Typical Requirements for a Permit Application

1. Demonstration of the need for the amount of water applied for.
2. Hydrogeologic information such as, but not limited to, aquifer properties (transmissivity and storage coefficient) obtained from aquifer testing may be required at or following the pre-application conference. This testing is usually conducted during well construction. This information will be required as appropriate to the individual site so that DEQ staff may perform a technical evaluation to determine the areas of any aquifers that will experience at least one foot of water level decline due to the proposed withdrawal.
3. A plan to mitigate impacts to pre-existing users within the area of impact.
4. A Water Conservation and Management Plan that requires:
   • The use of water-saving plumbing and processes.
   • A water loss reduction program.
   • A water use education program.
   • Evaluation of potential water reuse options.
   • Mandatory use reduction during water shortage emergencies.
5. A limit on the annual amount of ground water that may be withdrawn. Permits generally will also contain a monthly limit.
6. Potential ground water levels and ground water quality monitoring.

Application Process

Note: A pre-application meeting is required prior to submittal of an application.

General

1. Contact the appropriate DEQ regional office.
2. Completed application must be filed at least 270 days before start of construction or operation or before expiration of an existing permit.
3. Draft permit prepared by DEQ regional office.
4. Public notice is issued and a hearing conducted if justified.
5. The applicant makes appeal of permit denial or permit conditions to the State Water Control Board in a hearing. Judicial review is in accordance with Virginia's Administrative Process Act.