WHAT KIND OF PERMITS DO WATER UTILITIES NEED?

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 Water Utilities Need Multiple Permits

Water utilities need several different permits from various regulatory agencies. These permits outline specific requirements that the utility must follow to be in compliance with rules. 

Obtaining permits can be time consuming and expensive, and many of them need to be renewed after a certain time period. Here are some examples of the different types of water-related permits.

Construction Permits

If you've ever built a house or even a fence, you usually have to get a permit from the local building or planning department. It's the same for construction of water plants, pipelines, pumping stations and other utility work--only more complicated.

For instance, before constructing a pipeline project, the utility must get permits from: 
  • the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). 
  • the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) if the pipe will be in an FDOT right-of-way. 
  • the Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) if the pipeline will go through any wetlands.
  • the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in some counties.
  • the local government.
To construct a treatment plant, the utility must get permits from:
  • FDEP construction permit.
  • FDEP stormwater permit.
  • Water Management District (for Environmental Resource Permit or Well Permits)
  • the local government.

Operating Permits

Utilities have to get an operating permit from FDEP for each wastewater treatment or water reclamation facility. These permits take up to a year to obtain, with a lengthy permit application form plus numerous reports. These include capacity analysis; operation and maintenance performance; auxiliary power; cybersecurity; and more. 

The permits must be renewed every 5 years, using the same process with updated reports.

The operating permit details testing requirements and limits on constituents discharged to a receiving stream or reclaimed water system. It also includes required operator attendance; reporting schedules; and more. 

Monthly reports must be submitted to FDEP with tests results as required by the permit.

Water Use Permits

Drinking water systems must have a water use permit (also called consumptive use permit) from the area's Water Management District. This authorizes the utility to take water from the source (aquifer, lake, river, etc.) to supply the public with water. 

These permits are also very lengthy and take many months to obtain. Renewal schedules are determined by the Water Management District depending on a number of factors. The amount of water used must be reported to the District on a regular basis. Certain testing requirements are included in these permits as well. 

Here's a short video from the St. Johns River Water Management District on their permitting process:

Geek Out

Here is FDEP's wastewater permitting page, with links and information.


Each of the five Water Management Districts has their own Water Use Permitting (or Consumptive Use Permitting) methods. This page is from the Southwest Florida Water Management District.



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