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Water Supply & Conservation

The state's waters are used for domestic, municipal, agricultural, commercial, industrial, power, recreational and other important public purposes.

To ensure that our water supply meets present and future needs, DEC regulates and offers technical guidance for public water supply wells; registers water well contractors, and provides information to the public about droughts.

On this website you will find information about:

  • Permitting and technical assistance for public water supply wells
  • Official guidance for design of drinking water facilities
  • Policies for the review and approval of plans and specifications for public water supplies
  • Applications for water supply well permits and water well contractor registration
  • Drought conditions and how to reduce water use
  • State Plumbing Fixtures Law and standards

More about Water Supply & Conservation:

  • Drought Facts - Definition, stages and watershed based drought management regions
  • Public Water Supply Program - Protects and conserves available water supplies by ensuring equitable and wise use of these supplies.
  • Water Well Program - The NYS Water Well Driller Registration Law, as amended by the NYS Legislature in July 1999, requires any business conducting "water well drilling activities" to register annually with NYSDEC before doing business anywhere within the State of New York. Filing of preliminary notices and completion reports are also necessary. Licensing exams are required.
  • Page applies to all NYS regions
  • Contact for this Page:
  • Bureau of Water Resource Management
    Division of Water
    625 Broadway
    Albany, NY 12233-3508
    518-402-8086
    email us