GROUNDWATER APPROPRIATION & AQUIFER DEVELOPMENT

Water appropriation permits are a key component for irrigating your crops. The DNR is the regulatory agency overseeing water use permits for agriculture in Minnesota. Navigating the application process is commonly a daunting  task when it comes to groundwater usage. NWATS provides the services necessary to acquire your irrigation permit such as pre-permit planning, aquifer viability assessments via hydrogeologic evaluations, 24-hour well (specific) capacity testing, permit application development and submittal, and agency coordination and follow-up.

The DNR may require you to complete an aquifer test to evaluate potential impacts to the aquifer and environment from the pumping of your irrigation well. NWATS provides services that include well driller coordination, production well capacity testing, single and multiple well aquifer testing, and long-term water supply sustainability assessments. Specific aquifer testing services include agency interfacing for test specifications; project coordination and scheduling; equipment acquisition, installation and set up; data collection, hydrogeologic characterization analyses (add link to In Da Know), and report development.

The DNR may require groundwater and surface water monitoring as a condition of your water appropriation permit. The monitoring generally entails measuring water level fluctuations in the groundwater, nearby wetlands, and creeks and streams as well as changes in stream flow during the irrigation season over a several year period. NWATS provides services that include acquiring and installing water level monitoring and flow equipment in wells, streams and wetlands; regular downloading and data plotting; data management and reporting; and follow-up agency interfacing.

Maintaining your rights to irrigate requires you to renew your permit annually. The amount of water applied is reported along with payment of a water usage fee. Occasionally, special conditions of the permit require you to conduct annual monitoring and reporting of groundwater and surface water levels in and around your fields. NWATS provides services that include equipment rental and installation, data compilation, management and reporting, and follow-up communications to help farmers comply with all their permit requirements.