Long-Term Groundwater Use Permit
GroundwaterAuthorizes the long-term appropriation and use of groundwater from a specific well or wells for beneficial purposes. This is the standard permit for ongoing agricultural, municipal, industrial, and other uses requiring sustained groundwater access. Permits are issued for the life of the beneficial use, subject to Maximum Annual Yield (MAY) allocations for the relevant groundwater basin.
Statutory Authority: Title 82, Oklahoma Statutes -- Waters and Water Rights
Conditions for Approval
Own or Lease the Land
Applicant must demonstrate ownership of or a valid lease for the land overlying the groundwater basin from which water will be withdrawn.
Land Overlies Fresh Groundwater Basin/Subbasin
The property must be located over a designated fresh groundwater basin or subbasin recognized by the OWRB.
Beneficial Use
The water must be put to a recognized beneficial use under Oklahoma water law, including irrigation, municipal supply, industrial, or other qualifying purposes.
No Waste by Depletion or Pollution
The proposed use must not cause waste of groundwater through excessive withdrawal, depletion of the basin beyond sustainable levels, or pollution of the aquifer.
Requirements
Documents
Legal
Technical
Fee Schedule
| Volume (AF/year) | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 – 320 AF | $500 |
| 321 – 640 AF | $700 |
| 641 – 1,500 AF | $900 |
| Over 1,500 AF | $900* |
Source: OWRB Application for a Long-Term Groundwater Permit (Revised 8/20/2025)
Calculate exact fee for your volumeSeasonal Restrictions & Notes
- Peak irrigation season (April-September) may experience higher demand and longer processing.
- Drought advisories may temporarily restrict new allocations in stressed basins.