Vermonters Asked to Report Yearly Large Groundwater Withdrawals

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release - April 7, 2025

Media Contacts:
Sille Larsen, Engineering and Water Resources Program Manager
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-522-8709, Sille.Larsen@vermont.gov

Julia Beaudoin, Hydrogeologist
Department of Environmental Conservation
802-661-8281, Julia.Beaudoin@vermont.gov

Montpelier, Vt. – Each year, the Department of Environmental Conservation asks groundwater users who withdraw more than 20,000 gallons per day to report annual usage to the Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division (DWGPD). Groundwater users who withdraw more than 57,600 gallons per day for commercial and industrial uses may require a permit. DWGPD uses the data collected through this program to analyze groundwater withdrawals to protect and manage this vital resource that is held in public trust for all Vermonters.

“Vermont’s groundwater is precious, finite, and invaluable because it is essential to the health, safety, and welfare of all of our communities,” said Jason Batchelder, Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation. “Properly managing this limited resource helps ensure that Vermonters will have continued access to groundwater now and in the future.”

The large groundwater withdrawal program was established in 2008 under Act 199. The program aims to collect data on large water withdrawals. The following uses are exempt from the groundwater withdrawal reporting and permitting rules:

• Fire suppression or public emergencies
• Domestic or residential uses
• Farming, dairy processing, and milk handling
• Public water systems, and
• Non-extractive geothermal systems.

“Groundwater is the quiet foundation of life in Vermont — it's the lifeblood of our farms, our families, and the beautiful streams, rivers and lakes that define our landscape,” said Sille Larsen, DWGPD Engineering and Water Resources Program Manager. “Protecting and managing it today ensures our communities and natural beauty will thrive for generations to come."

To learn more about groundwater withdrawal and reporting requirements, please visit the DWGPD website or contact Julia Beaudoin, julia.beaudoin@vermont.gov for technical assistance.

###

The Department of Environmental Conservation is responsible for protecting Vermont's natural resources and safeguarding human health for the benefit of this and future generations. Visit dec.vermont.gov and follow the Department of Environmental Conservation on Facebook and Instagram.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider. To file a discrimination complaint, for questions, free language services, or requests for reasonable accommodations, please contact ANR’s Nondiscrimination Coordinator at ANR.CivilRights@vermont.gov or visit ANR’s online Notice of Nondiscrimination.