Office of Water Resources Permit Application Portal
Latest Project Update
DEM is in the final stages of launching the OWR Application Portal.
Pauses in Application Submission and Issuance
DEM is transferring nearly 35 years’ worth of complex environmental permitting information into the new system. During the migration process, there will be temporary blackout periods to ensure a seamless transition to the new system. The first pause in application issuances and acceptance will occur from Friday, April 18 to Tuesday, May 6, 2025. It will affect applications for Freshwater Wetlands, RIPDES Construction General Permit (CGP), Water Quality Certification (WQC), and Underground Injection Control (UIC) programs. The last day DEM will accept paper applications for these programs will be Thursday, April 17. After the system launches, all new applications must be submitted through the online portal.
Please note: During this time, applications for OWTS/Septic-related permits and licenses will continue as usual. We will provide more details before OWTS/Septic applications are moved into the new online system next month.
Launch Timeline
- Tuesday, May 6, 2025: Groundwater and Freshwater Wetlands Protection program applications
- Late May 2025: OWTS/Septic permitting and licensing will transition to the new system in a second launch phase
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.
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.
The new system includes:
- Freshwater Wetlands
- OWTS Licensing and Applications
- RIPDES CGP Applications
- WQC Applications
- UIC Applications
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