Environmental Permits for Aquaculture - High Capacity Wells

A high capacity well permit may be required under Section 281.17, Wisconsin Statutes.

No wells shall be constructed, installed or operated to withdraw water from underground sources for any purpose where the capacity and rate of withdrawal of all wells on one property is in excess of 100,000 gallons a day without first obtaining the approval of the Department of Natural Resources.

According to Section NR 812, Wisconsin Administrative Code, the regulations which implement the law:

The pumping and/or flowing capacities of all wells located on a contiguous property are added together to determine if the combined capacity of all wells on the property is in excess of 70 gallons per minute. If the combined capacity of all wells on a contiguous property is over 70 gallons per minute, the property by definition is a high capacity property and operation of any well located on that property must be approved by the department.

Seventy gallons per minute is equivalent to more than 100,000 gallons per day.

Note: The information provided on this web page is for general orientation purposes only. Do not rely solely on the information provided on these Web pages. For more information, please contact your local DNR Fish Farm Environmental Permits Coordinator.