Permits, Certifications, and Approvals Division of Water

Dam Construction Permits

All dams, except federal dams and those permitted by the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement, must be reviewed, and a permit must be issued by this office.

Floodplain Permits

The Division of Water is authorized through KRS 151 to manage development in floodplains. Any type of development in, along, or across a stream requires a floodplain permit from the Division.

Kentucky No Discharge Operational Permits (KNDOP)

This state-issued permit is required for Industrial facilities and Agricultural waste handling facilities that do not have a point source discharge but use other means of disposal such as land application, subsurface injection, closed circuit, etc.

Wastewater Collection System and Treatment Plant Construction Permits

Wastewater Discharge Permits

All discharges to waters of the Commonwealth require a permit through the Kentucky Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (KPDES). Click here to learn more about KPDES wastewater discharge permits.

Water Withdrawal Permits

Permits or authorizations are required for any water withdrawals of 10,000 gallons per day or more of public water of the Commonwealth (water occurring in any stream, lake, ground water, subterranean water or other body of water).

Well Driller Certification

Within the Commonwealth of Kentucky it is unlawful for any person to construct, alter, or repair a water well without first having obtained a valid certification.

Laboratory Certification

Learn more about DOW laboratory certification requirements

Water Quality (401) Certification

Any person, firm or agency planning to work, dump or place dredged or fill material in waters of the Commonwealth must obtain 401 Certification.

Drinking Water Distribution & Treatment Plant Construction

Review the requirements for construction on drinking water distribution and treatment plants.