Frequently Asked Questions
What is the law?
North Carolina General Statute G.S. 143-215.22H requires water users who meet conditions set forth by the general assembly to register their water withdrawals and surface water transfers and to update those registrations at least every five years.
Who is required to register?
- Any non-agricultural water user who withdraws 100,000 gallons or more in any one day of ground water or surface water or who transfers 100,000 gallons or more in any one day of surface water from one river basin to another river basin.
- Any agricultural water user who withdraws 1,000,000 gallons or more in any one day of ground water or surface water or who transfers 1,000,000 gallons or more in any one day of surface water from one river basin to another river basin.
Is there a fee to register?
There is a $50 registration fee for non-agricultural water users registering for the first time. Agricultural water users registering for the first time are exempt from this fee. Previously registered water users updating registrations are also exempt from this fee.
What is the due date for registering withdrawals and transfers?
New withdrawals must be registered within six months of the initiation of the withdrawal. Existing registrations should be updated for calendar year 2004 and submitted by March 1, 2005.
Is there a late fee for registering after March 1, 2005?
There is a late registration fee of $5.00 per day for each day the registration is late up to a maximum of $500.00. No late fees are associated with the registration of agricultural withdrawals.
Is registration of water withdrawals under GS 143-215.22H waived for any particular water users?
Yes. The following users are exempt:
- Units of local government that have submitted and periodically update a Local Water Supply Plan.
- Water users in the Central Coastal Plain Capacity Use Area that register their water use under the Capacity Use Area Rules or who have a water use permit.
- Owners of dams that discharge water at the toe of the dam. However, if water is diverted off-stream and discharged downstream of the dam, it is considered a water withdrawal and must be registered if the amount of water diverted exceeds the limits specified above.
If I own multiple facilities, do I need to register each one separately?
Yes, you will need to fill out a separate form for each facility owned that meet water withdrawal and transfer criteria.
Why is it important that I register my withdrawals?
- Water supply planning and management require an understanding of both the available water resources and the demands being placed on those resources. Registration information will be used to develop a more complete understanding of water use and availability in North Carolina. The registration data will also be incorporated into the North Carolina State Water Supply Plan.
- By registering water withdrawals every five years, water users will establish a record of the amount of water they need for future resource management.