Michigan and the other Great Lakes states and provinces have laws regulating water use in the Basin, in line with the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact and parallel international agreement.
The Water Use Program registers large withdrawals and evaluates their potential impacts, as well as processing withdrawal permits, in alignment with the requirements outlined in the Compact. This work provides a baseline for integrated water management and supports the legal protection of Great Lakes waters against unwarranted diversions.
Registration of all large quantity water withdrawals is required in the State of Michigan. Large quantity withdrawals are defined as having the capacity to withdraw 100,000 gallons per day or more, which equates to a pump capacity of 70 gallons per minute or more and includes the combined total for all pumps on the property.
How different sectors of industry can conserve water usage
Required for withdrawals greater than 100,000 Gallons per Day
Reporting is required for any use greater than 1,500,000 gallons annually
If a proposed withdrawal doesn't pass the WWAT, you have options
Water withdrawals must be registered with EGLE. Local units of government, such as counties and townships, are prohibited from authorizing or denying large quantity withdrawals under Michigan Law.
All registered or permitted water users are required to report their annual water use by April 1 of each year. Agricultural users report their water use to MDARD; all other water users report their water use to EGLE.
Find your topic below and reach out to the staff member who can help.
General questions about water use in Michigan can be directed to Jim Milne, Water Use Unit Supervisor at 517-285-3253 or MilneJ@Michigan.gov
517-582-1174
RoseC18@Michigan.gov
517-899-7426
JugleM@Michigan.gov
517-897-0058
ReibelA@Michigan.gov
517-599-9767
ArnettH2@Michigan.gov
