Regulatory, Compliance & Labor
Farm Water Quality Permit Checklist
A checklist for finding out which water quality permits a farm may need, used by owners with discharges, drainage, wells or livestock near water. Review it with the people involved and update it whenever your operation changes.
ChecklistRegulatory, Compliance & LaborFree PDF
What is on this checklist
- Identify discharge points and drains
- Map streams, ponds and wetlands
- List livestock near water
- Note chemical and fertilizer areas
- Contact state water agency
- Ask about general permits and exemptions
- Gather site maps and plans
- Calendar renewal and reporting dates
How to use this checklist
Fill in the farm, date and your name, then walk the job with the sheet in hand. A habit of five minutes on this list tends to catch small problems early.
Where to check the details
This sheet is a general template, so confirm specifics with your own manuals, labels and local rules. For current official guidance, start with USDA NRCS and eXtension.
For more in this area, see the printable farm safety sheets. Between chores, farm.FM has farm humor, including Dairy Farm Water Use Report Finds Cows Drinking With Suspicious Enthusiasm, and agribusiness farm stories.