Consumptive Water Use Permits

A consumptive water use permit allows the holder to withdraw a specified amount of water from the ground (aquifers) or a canal, lake or river (surface water) for reasonable-beneficial uses. The water can be used for public supply (drinking water), agricultural and nursery plant irrigation, golf course irrigation, commercial use, dewatering/mining activities and power. Water uses not covered by these permits include domestic uses, home irrigation and water used for fire fighting.

Consumptive water use permits require water conservation to prevent wasteful uses, such as the reuse of reclaimed water (treated wastewater). The permits also set limits on how much water can be withdrawn at each location in the aquifer or from surface water. These limits protect existing residents' water supplies and protect aquifers from saltwater intrusion damage, and surface water sources from drying up.

 
Once a consumptive water use permit is issued by the District, SFWMD water use compliance staff monitor the use of water to make sure the permit's limiting conditions are met. Scientists and environmental analysts evaluate pumpage and monitoring data (chlorides, water levels, turbidity, etc.), and other compliance reports such as calibrations, wetland monitoring, unaccounted for water loss and 10-year compliance, and respond to instances of non-compliance. On-location site inspections also help determine compliance and document project activities, withdrawal facilities, and unpermitted uses of water.

Online Reporting Available

Water use compliance reports can be submitted online at my.sfwmd.gov/ePermitting. Create an ePermitting account, or login if you already have an account, and click on 'Water Use' under 'Compliance Reporting' to get started.
 

Types of Consumptive Water Use Permits

The South Florida Water Management District issues general and individual consumptive water use permits. Issues addressed during the application evaluation process are:

• Is the proposed use reasonable and beneficial as defined in Section 373.019 of the Florida Statutes?
• Will it interfere with other water users in the vicinity?
• Is it consistent with the public interest (including harm to the environment, saltwater intrusion, wetlands, movement of pollution, etc.)?

Consumptive water use permits are issued for a fixed period of time, and must be renewed prior to the expiration date in order to continue using water.

Water Use Forms

• Applications 
• Compliance Forms

Water Use Permitting Fees

Fee amounts shall apply to applications for new permits, permit modifications, and permit renewals, except as noted. [PDF]
 

Contacts & Locations