Review Application for a Permit to Appropriate, Divert or Transport Infested Waters
You need this permit if you or your organization would like to take water from a water body listed as infested with aquatic invasive species if:
o you will be taking less than 10,000 gallons of water per day or less than 1 million gallons per year from the water body; or
o you already have a water appropriation permit issued by the DNR before a source water body was listed as infested with aquatic invasive species.
If you are taking more than 10,000 gallons of water per day or less than 1 million gallons per year, you may need a water appropriation permit
You may qualify for other infested waters general permits if:
o you are transporting water (infested or non-infested) only for the purposes of water quality sampling, you may qualify for the Transport Water for Water Quality Sampling General Permit available at Transport Water for Water Quality Sampling; or
o you are a fire department using infested waters for training purposes, you may qualify for the Fire Departments using Infested Water for Training General Permit available online at Fire Department Training with Infested Waters.
Application for a Permit to Appropriate, Divert or Transport Infested Waters
Water Appropriation Permit Application Forms
To apply for a water appropriation permit, use MPARS (MN DNR Permitting and Reporting System). If you are using MPARS for the first time, you will need to create an account. Once created, click on the link in the Actions box called "Apply for a New Permit/Authorization". You will be billed separately (usually $150) for the application fee. Note that Minnesota Statutes allow local units of government 30 days to review permit applications and submit comments to the DNR.
MPARS is the easiest and most convenient method for most people to apply for water appropriation permits. If it is not possible for you to apply online, paper application forms may be requested by contacting water permitting and reporting staff at 651-259-5724. Please note that the use of paper forms may not offer the efficiency or speed of the MPARS online process, and may result in the need for more follow-up with DNR staff to obtain needed information.
Area hydrologist contact information
$150
See DNR Water Permit Application Fees
Varies depending upon the activity being permitted.