Office of Water Resources Permit Application Portal
Latest Project Updates
The OWR Permit Application Portal Now Available
DEM has launched the first phase of a new online permit application portal for the Office of Water Resources (OWR) Groundwater and Freshwater Protection Programs. Applicants can now manage applications for Freshwater Wetlands, RIPDES Construction General Permit, Water Quality Certification, and Underground Injection Control Programs in this system.
- Phase I Programs: Freshwater Wetlands, RIPDES Construction General Permit, Water Quality Certification, and Underground Injection Control Programs
- Completed applications submitted before April 17 at 4 PM have been moved to the new system
- Applicants can set up user accounts in the OWR application portal, however, OWTS-only customers should wait until the second phase launches on May 20.
- The new system also offers a new search tool that allows users to view documentation for active (not expired) applications without needing a login. View OWR permit searches
No Septic/OWTS applications accepted or permits issued from Friday, May 2 - 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
- OWTS-only applicants should wait until the system launches on May 20 to create a user login.
- Joint FWW/OWTS Applications will not be accepted until the full system launches with OWTS programs on May 20
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. Stay tuned for updates and subscribe to receive system notifications directly in your inbox.
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.
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.
The new system currently includes:
- Freshwater Wetlands Permitting
- RIPDES Construction General Permit Applications
- Water Quality Certification Applications
- Underground Injection Control Applications
How to Use the OWR Permit Application Portal
Applicants for Phase I programs can set up their user accounts in the system. OWTS-only applicants should wait to create a user account until the full system launches on May 20.
User Guides
Below are PDFs with guidance for using the online portal that you can download and/or print. Please reach out to DEM with specific questions on applications or any issues using the system.
System Highlights
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
Subscribe for System UpdatesQuestions?
For general questions about the OWR Portal, including setting up a user profile:
Jacqueline Reilly Jacqueline.Reilly@dem.ri.gov or 401-537-4158
For questions about the application process, required documents, or system issues, contact the appropriate Application Coordinator:
Freshwater Wetlands
Application Coordinator: Becky Panzarella:
becky.panzarella@dem.ri.gov or 401-537-4259
General Inquiries:
(401) 222-6820 DEM.FWW@dem.ri.gov
OWTS Program
Application Coordinator: Jessica Bouchard
jessica.bouchard@dem.ri.gov or 401-537-4204
General Inquiries:
(401) 222-3961 or DEM.OWTS@dem.ri.gov
RIPDES Construction General Permit or Stormwater Design
Application Coordinator:
Chris Sweeney chris.sweeney@dem.ri.gov or 401-537-4172
General Inquiries:
(401) 222-6820 or DEM.STWConstruction@dem.ri.gov
For Annual Fee Questions or submittals:
DEM.RIPDESInvoices@dem.ri.gov
Underground Injection Control
Application Coordinator: Chris Sweeney chris.sweeney@dem.ri.gov or 401-537-4172
General Inquiries: (401) 222-6820 or DEM.UIC@dem.ri.gov
Note: DEM's Office Hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to common questions on the new portal. For further assistance, please use the contact information on this webpage.
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 or (401) 222-6820 |
| OWTS Program | DEM.OWTS@dem.ri.gov or (401) 222-3961 |
| RIPDES Construction General Permit or RIPDES Stormwater Design |
DEM.STWConstruction@dem.ri.gov or (401) 222-6820 Annual Fee Questions or Submittals: |
| Underground Injection Control | DEM.UIC@dem.ri.gov or (401) 222-6820 |
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.