Irrigation, Diversion of Surface Water,or Pumping Water

• I want to pump water from a stream or from a lake with an outlet, for irrigation purposes.
• I want to fill my tanker with water at a highway stream crossing.

Question: I want to pump water from a stream or from a lake with an outlet, for irrigation purposes. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: No permit is required to pump water for domestic purposes such as watering lawns or private gardens, provided that produce from the gardens is not sold. The DNR can set minimum water levels to protect public rights and resources.

However, a permit IS required if diverted water is used for a purpose such as watering agricultural crops, tree plantations, or golf courses, or if the diversion will result in water loss averaging 2 million gallons per day. If a permit is necessary, a fee is required.

Please follow the steps below to file your application for an Irrigation Permit. Open and print BOTH of the following files:

• Irrigation Permit Application [Form #3500-53L, PDF 51KB]
• Fee Sheet [Form #3500-053A, PDF 105KB]

Once completed, please send the application to the county where your project is located.

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 30.18(3), Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 627KB].

Question: I want to fill my tanker with water at a highway stream crossing. Do I need to obtain a permit and/or pay a fee?

Answer: The general public has the right to use and take water from any spring, creek or running water that may be found running in or across the limits of any public highway.

No permit or authority is required to take water from waterways for highway construction or maintenance.

Applicable statutes and codes include Section 86.17, Wis. Stats. [exit DNR], [PDF 144KB].