DEM Office of Water Resources

Our Mission

Rivers, lakes, and coastal waters will support healthy communities of fish, plants, and other aquatic life, and will support uses such as fishing, swimming, and drinking water quality.

Groundwater will be uncontaminated.

Wetlands will be protected and rehabilitated to provide wildlife habitat, reduce floods, and to improve water quality.

Public health will be protected from the adverse impacts of water pollution.

Public Notices & Upcoming Events

Sep 30

RIEC4 Advisory Board Meeting

10:30am 12:00pm

Oct 1

RIEC4 Science & Technical Advisory Board Meeting

1:00pm 2:30pm

OWR Online Permit Searches

Quick Links

⚠️ OWTS Installer and Designer License Renewals:

Licenses scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026, will be available for renewal in the OWR Online Application Portal in mid-October. DEM is currently finalizing the new online process and will send email notifications when renewals are active in the system. Once launched, licensees will have 90 days to complete their renewal.

Find the latest updates and user guides at dem.ri.gov/owr-portal-guidance or subscribe to our email list to receive them directly in your inbox. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue implementing our new system.