NOTE: Until further notice, we are unable to accept water use permit applications through postal mail or other delivery services. There are still two ways available to submit the application:
- Apply and pay for a permit online in the WACOP application, or
- Submit a scan of any hardcopy permit application using email to wateruse@dnr.iowa.gov. Email attachment size is limited to 25 MB. Use zip files or other options to submit attachments greater than 25 MB and communicate that in your email submittal. Upon email submission, a credit card payment over the telephone will be arranged with DNR’s Customer Service.
Contact wateruse@dnr.iowa.gov if you have any questions.
Program Description
The authority for regulating water allocation arises from the State's mission to protect public health and welfare. The use of water by one person can affect other nearby water users and the general public.
All waters, both surface and groundwater, are "public waters and public wealth" of Iowa citizens. Iowa statute provides an allocation system based on the concept of "beneficial use." The key points are:
- Water resources are to be put to beneficial use to the fullest extent possible.
- Waste, unreasonable use, and unreasonable methods of water use are prevented.
- Water conservation is expected.
- Minimum instream flows are protected.
Iowa's water allocation program attempts to sort through various competing uses, through use of the following.
- A permitting program to ensure consistency in decisions on the use of water, i.e., Water Use Permits.
- Provisions for public involvement in issuing water allocation permits and establishing water use policies.
- An administrative procedure to resolve water use conflicts.
WACOP - Water Use Application