OK Water Permitting
PermitsStream Water Permit

Stream Water Permit

Surface Water

Authorizes the appropriation of surface water (stream water) for beneficial use. Applicants must demonstrate that water is available, that the use serves a present or future beneficial need, and that the diversion will not interfere with existing domestic or prior appropriated uses. Stream water permits require public notice and may be subject to protest and administrative hearing.

Processing Time

60-120 days

Fee

$500 - $4,000 (sliding scale)

Apply Online

Application for a Long-Term Stream Water Permit

Revised 2/15/2025

Download PDF

Statutory Authority: Title 82, Oklahoma Statutes -- Waters and Water Rights

Conditions for Approval

1

Water Available

Sufficient water must be physically available in the stream for the proposed appropriation, based on OWRB hydrologic data.

2

Present or Future Beneficial Need

The applicant must demonstrate a genuine current or reasonably foreseeable beneficial need for the water.

3

No Interference with Domestic or Existing Uses

The diversion must not interfere with domestic uses or prior appropriated water rights on the stream.

4

No Interference with Area Water Users (Out-of-Area Use)

If water is to be transported outside the stream's watershed, the diversion must not injure water users within the area of origin.

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 Stream Water Permit (Revised 2/15/2025)

Calculate exact fee for your volume

Seasonal Restrictions & Notes

  • Low-flow periods (July-September) may trigger seasonal diversion restrictions.
  • Surface water in the Grand River Basin is under GRDA jurisdiction, not OWRB.