Regulatory, Compliance & Labor
Farm Water Rights Permit Checklist
A checklist for getting a water rights permit for farm use, used by owners who plan wells, diversions or surface water irrigation. Review it with the people involved and update it whenever your operation changes.
ChecklistRegulatory, Compliance & LaborFree PDF
What is on this checklist
- Identify the water source
- Check current water rights on the parcel
- Describe intended use
- Contact state water agency
- Gather maps and well records
- Complete application and fees per agency
- Track notices and objections
- File decisions and meter requirements
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 and USDA NRCS.
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.