Office of Water Resources Permit Application Portal
Latest Project Updates
The OWR Permit Application Portal 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 OWTS applications fully launch.
- 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
Phase 2 Launch: We’re excited to announce the launch of OWTS/Septic licensing and permitting applications into the new OWR Application Portal System.
To deliver the best possible user experience, we are rolling out functionality for OWTS applications in two stages:
Starting May 20, 2025: Limited Access Begins for OWTS Professionals
OWTS Installers and Designers:
- Create a new user account (User Guide) or complete your existing profile.
- Check your profile to ensure your licensing is appearing correctly and up to date. If needed, upload your A/E documentation and continuing education information.
Completing these steps will allow your in-process applications and permits to automatically link to your account when the full data migration is complete. Scroll down to the OWTS user guide dropdown for tips, printable directions and excerpts from the live demo.
Join Live Demo: Tuesday, May 27
📺 DEM Office of Water Resources is offering a second live demonstration to walk OWTS Professionals through the new system and the process for tagging an in-process application to the OWTS License, submitting new applications, submitting a Start of Construction, scheduling inspections, and more.
Click to Join Zoom: Tuesday, May 27 at 10 AM
OWTS Processing:
- DEM will continue to process Start of Construction and Site inspections for active permits using the current process.
- New Soil Evaluations will be accepted during this period using the new system
- Hardship and Emergency applications will be processed on a case-by-case basis.
⚠️ Please note: Processing times may be longer than usual as DEM staff work to validate customer information and migrate application data.
DEM is working on launching full functionality for both new OWTS permit applications and in-flight applications. Check back for updates on the timing.
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
- OWTS/Septic Applications for Professionals
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.
To deliver the best possible user experience, we are rolling out functionality for OWTS applications in stages. Below you will find user guides for functionality that is currently supported in the new system.
Tips for Getting Started
🔹 Create Your User Profile: To ensure your existing licenses are properly linked to your new account, please use the same name and personal phone number DEM has on file in your license application When setting up your profile, make sure to include:
- First and Last Name (must match DEM records). If you don’t, your license information will not be tagged to your profile.
- Personal Phone Number (not a business number)
- Profile Picture Upload (required)
Using different information may prevent the system from automatically connecting your current and past records.
Tagging Your License
🔹 Tips & Reminders
- You only need to tag your license once. Tagging the same item multiple times will delay processing. View OWTS License Tagging User Guide
- After tagging, your request status will appear as “Submitted.”
Once DEM reviews and approves the file, you will see the status change to “Approved” in the system. 🔔 Look for the bell icon in the upper right-hand corner of your portal dashboard to view alerts and unread notifications.
⚠️ Note: If a designer holds multiple licenses, each license must be tagged separately.
What's Available Now
🔹 At this time, the OWR Application Portal supports:
- User Profile Creation - User Guide
- License Tagging - User Guide
- AE certification uploads
- New Soil Evaluation Applications - User Guide. At this time, new soil evaluations cannot reference an existing application.
⚠️ Note: Your license must be tagged and approved before submitting a new soil evaluation application.
🚫 Please Note
- Do NOT try to tag any OWTS applications or permits — they are not yet available in the system.
- Do NOT call DEM for "missing" OWTS applications or permits. Existing permitting data is currently unavailable in the portal and will be addressed in the next system launch. At that time, additional user guides for linking past and in-process applications will be available.
Questions? Please email at DEM.WaterResources@dem.ri.gov. OWR staff monitor this email and will follow up with you the same business day. Please do not call. Using the email to submit your request ensures a faster response that's documented in writing. Be sure to attach a screenshot to your email to help us diagnose the problem.
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?
Need help using the OWR Application Portal?
Please contact us by email at DEM.WaterResources@dem.ri.gov. OWR staff monitor this email and will follow up with you on the same business day. Please do not call. Using the email to submit your request for support is the fastest way to receive a response, which is also documented in writing. Make sure you attach a screenshot to your email to help us diagnose the problem.
For questions about the application process, required documents, or general information, contact the appropriate Application Coordinator:
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
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.