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

Quick Links

OWR Online Permit Searches

⚠️ Online Application Portal Maintenance October 9-14

The OWR Application Portal will be unavailable beginning at 4 PM on Friday, October 9 and is expected to be available again on Wednesday, October 14. The maintenance supports improvements to permitting and fee structures, more efficient workflows, the launch of OWTS license renewals, and corrections to project names and site details associated with RIPDES applications.

Important Information for OWTS Professionals:

Please plan ahead to avoid delays and submit applications, renewals, and inspection requests before the applicable deadlines.

Submit October 9 inspection requests by 3:30 PM on Thursday, October 8.
- This applies to all Start of Construction, Bottom Inspection, Cover Inspection, and Reinspection requests.
After 3:30 PM on October 8, Start of Construction or inspection requests will not be accepted until the maintenance is completed on October 14.
- Requests submitted on October 14 will be scheduled for October 15.
All other application types and permitting functions will remain available through 4 PM on October 9.
Soil Evaluations will continue as scheduled during the maintenance period.

We appreciate your understanding and patience as we continue implementing and improving the new online system.