Official State of Rhode Island website

State of Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management

Office of Water Resources Permit Application Portal

Latest Project Updates

DEM is in the final stages of launching the OWR Application Portal. Our staff have been working hard to make this transition as smooth as possible, and we appreciate your patience as we work to modernize our processes. 

Phase One Launch: Tuesday, May 6

For all applications associated with Freshwater Wetlands (FWW), RIPDES Construction General Permit (CGP), Water Quality Certification (WQC) & Underground Injection Control (UIC) programs. 

  • No new applications accepted or permits issued from April 18 through May 5
  • Completed applications submitted before April 17 at 4 PM will be moved to the new system
  • Incomplete applications and applications received after the paper deadline will be returned to applicants for online submission when the system launches on May 6
  • OWTS-related applications will continue as usual through May 1 at 4:00 PM, however, Joint FWW/OWTS Applications will not be accepted until the full system launches with OWTS programs on May 20
  • DEM continues to offer pre-application meetings and programmatic guidance
  • Starting May 6, all applicants can set up user accounts in the OWR application portal

Phase Two Launch: OWTS/Septic Applications launch in the system on May 20

Last day for OWTS paper applications: May 1 at 4:00 PM

  • No OWTS permits will not be issued or accepted from Friday, May 1, through Monday, May 19
    • During the application pause:
      • Exceptions will be made for emergency repairs to protect human health and safety via the usual application process
      • Notifications for Starts of Construction and Bottom and Cover Inspections will still be accepted via the existing form
      • Previously scheduled soil evaluations and OWTS inspections will still occur

Stay tuned for updates and subscribe to receive system notifications directly in your inbox.

Up close view of a blue hard hat with the DEM logo sitting on a desk
A frog on a rock at Durfee Hill Management Area
Blueprint

Launching in spring 2025, DEM is excited to offer a fully online system for the submission and issuance of regulatory licenses and permits for OWR's Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Programs. The OWR Permit Application Portal is your one-stop shop for doing business with us.

System Highlights

DEM’s Permit Application Portal for the Office of Water is designed to modernize and simplify licensing and permitting services for Freshwater Wetlands, OWTS (septic systems), RIPDES CGP Applications, Water Quality Certifications, Underground Injection Control, and others who do business with DEM.

User-Friendly: Applicants can submit, track, and monitor the status, history, and renewal of permits and licenses.

Accessible: The system supports document uploads and connects with payment portals so you can complete applications in one centralized portal.

Quicker: A single online system reduces the amount of time it takes to submit applications, allowing for faster and easier processes that are business-friendly and compliant with regulations.

Efficient: DEM inspectors can also schedule site inspections and provide real-time results.

Improved Accuracy: An automated accounting system to track applications, permits, and related fees reduces the risk of human error and ensures more consistent data entry and processing.

Environmentally Friendly: Expanding online tools reduce paper waste and support DEM’s sustainability efforts.

Detailed construction blueprints with annotations for sustainable building practices, reviewed by architects and engineers in a modern office

The new system includes:

  • Freshwater Wetlands
  • OWTS Licensing and Applications
  • RIPDES CGP Applications
  • WQC Applications
  • UIC Applications
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Questions?

This website will be updated with guidance documentation and FAQs. Subscribe for system updates.

For programmatic questions, please contact us Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM:

Freshwater Wetlands
(401) 222-6820
DEM.FWW@dem.ri.gov 

OWTS Program
(401) 222-3961
DEM.OWTS@dem.ri.gov 

RIPDES Construction General Permit or Stormwater Design
(401) 222-6820
DEM.STWConstruction@dem.ri.gov 
For Annual Fee Questions or submittals:
DEM.RIPDESInvoices@dem.ri.gov 

Underground Injection Control
(401) 222-6820
DEM.UIC@dem.ri.gov 

Upcoming Demonstrations

How to Use the OWR Permit Application Portal

Below, we will be adding detailed user guides on using the new application portal that you can download and/or print. Applicants can set up their user accounts in the system starting Tuesday, May 6. Once the system launches, this webpage will include a large button that says “Launch OWR Portal.” Once clicked, you will be directed to the new online system and can use the instructions provided in the guidance document below to create an account.

The new online portal is designed to replace paper-based applications and moves existing online applications into a single system so customers and businesses can easily manage their applications, licenses, and permits. Along with reducing the amount of time customers spend submitting applications, the new system will help reduce DEM’s processing time.  

We are not changing the type of information or documentation needed to obtain licenses, permits, and certifications. The system allows customers 24/7 access to manage their accounts and pay fees. Applicants can also view and monitor the real-time status of pending applications, find deadlines for upcoming renewals, reprint lost or damaged licenses/permits, and more. 

Once the system launches on May 6, you can access the portal directly at dem.ri.gov/owr-portal. The online portal will guide you through the process for creating a new user account. All users must create a log-in using a valid email and unique password to access their active permits/licenses and to start new applications.  

Yes. DEM staff will continue to offer guidance and support for customers. Applicants with programmatic questions and technical issues using the system may reach out with questions.

Freshwater Wetlands DEM.FWW@dem.ri.gov 
OWTS Program DEM.OWTS@dem.ri.gov 
RIPDES Construction General Permit or RIPDES Stormwater Design

DEM.STWConstruction@dem.ri.gov 

For Annual Fee Questions or submittals:
DEM.RIPDESInvoices@dem.ri.gov 
Underground Injection Control DEM.UIC@dem.ri.gov 

Yes. All customers must create a New User Account when first logging into the new OWR Permit Application Portal. Please use the same first name, last name, and phone number you used in the previous online portal to ensure your applications connect to your new profile.  

Yes. DEM will not be accepting applications during blackout periods and will need to return incomplete applications to be resubmitted on the new portal if they are not completed before the blackout period. DEM also cannot accept responses to comments that were issued for applications before the blackout. Processing of applications will restart on May 6 for all programs except for OWTS and Joint FWW/OWTS applications, which will restart on May 20 when the system is fully online. 

Complete applications that were submitted before the paper application deadline (Phase 1: April 17; Phase 2: May 1) will be moved to the new portal. All other applications will need to be submitted when the new online system launches. All users can create their log ins to the system starting on May 6. 

Joint FWW/OWTS applications will be held until the system launches on May 20.

Environmental permitting is complex. DEM is transferring nearly 35 years' worth of application data, which includes numerous interconnections and overlapping records. This work requires careful handling to ensure accuracy and consistency during the migration process.  

During blackout periods, DEM will be sending updates to stakeholder groups through our email lists and on the DEM website at https://dem.ri.gov/owr-portal. 

Check this website regularly and sign up for email updates.