Grandfathered Water Uses Registration Program

Program Background. In a recent study that compiled all available data to characterize Basin-wide water use and availability, the Commission estimated that there are possibly more than 700 older, unpermitted facilities with an estimated water use of nearly one billion gallons per day. If accurate, this volume of water use is roughly equal to the total amount currently accounted for, and managed by, the Commission across the entire Basin.

With such large quantities in question, the Commission decided to develop a program that would close this significant knowledge gap regarding older, unpermitted water use (also known as grandfathered) to ensure the Commission’s ability to effectively manage the water resources of the Basin.

Under this new program, facilities must register their grandfathered withdrawals and consumptive water uses by December 31, 2019, to preserve the exemption from obtaining a permit into the future.

The registration fee discount ended on December 31, 2018. A $1,000 registration fee will apply for all registrations received during 2019.

The Commission encourages facilities to review the documents and webinars below to see if your facility needs to comply with the registration program:

Webinars and Additional Information

November 14 Webinar

December 13 Webinar

Frequently Asked Questions

Factsheet on Grandfathered Water Uses Registration Program

Applicable Commission Regulations

To receive program updates, please provide the Commission with an email address or other contact information. To do so, or if you have facility-specific questions or need additional information, contact Rachelle Eby at [email protected] or 717.238.0423 ext. 1215.