Regulations & Permits

Use this portal to filter and search for all of our regulatory information.

We oversee many state and federal laws designed to protect Washington's land, air, and water. See our laws, rules, & rulemaking page for more information about our current rules and rulemaking.

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NWIFC Preliminary Comments to Ecology

These are the comments from the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission about the Water Quality Assessment Policy 1-11 update

https://ecology.wa.gov/nwifc-preliminary-comments-to-eco-on-policy-1-11

Federal Consistency Certification - Federal Approval

Submit this form to us if you are requesting a Coastal Zone Management Consistency determination for a project that requires federal approval.

https://ecology.wa.gov/federal-consistency-certification-federal-approv

Federal Consistency Certification Form - Federal Funds

Submit this form to us when requesting a Coastal Zone Management Consistency determination for a federally funded project.

https://ecology.wa.gov/federal-consistency-certification-form-federal-f

Water Quality Fiscal Year 2013 - 2015 Biennium Outcomes Report

2 year report on Water Quality projects funded by Ecology, covering Fiscal Years 2013 through 2015

https://ecology.wa.gov/fiscal-year-2013-2015-biennium-outcomes-report-f

Municipal water law

We help regulate municipal water suppliers to ensure a safe and reliable drinking water supply.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/municipal-water-law

Water right permits

Use a pre-application request form before applying for a new or updated water right.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/water-right-permits

Metering technical information

Find out about meter types, technical requirements, vendors, and installers.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/metering

Well construction & licensing system

Search for notices of intent, licensed drillers, or drilling companies.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/well-construction-licensing-system

Well report (log) viewer

Search for wells and view availabile well reports (logs).

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/well-report-gateway

Water use compliance and enforcement

Enforcing water use laws reduces conflict among competing water users and protects the resource.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/compliance-enforcement/water-use-compliance

Water rights search

Water right records can be searched on a map-based water right database.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/water-rights-search

Characterization of Stormwater Transport of Contaminants of Emerging Concern

We work with City of Tacoma to look for several contaminants of emerging concern in stormwater.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies/stormwater-characterization

Chapter 173-167 WAC, Emergency Drought Funding (2025)

On June 5, 2025, Ecology adopted amendments to Chapter 173-167 WAC, Emergency Drought Funding (2025)

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-167-2025

Chapters 173-507, 173-508, 173-513,173-514 and 173-515 WAC – Watershed Restoration Plan Rulemaking

This is the rulemaking page for Chapters 173-507, 173-508, 173-513, 173-514 and 173-515 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-507-508-513-514-515-watershed-restoration

Fish consumption rate: Technical support document

This 2013 technical support document estimates how much fish Washington residents are eating.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/fish-consumption-rates-technical-support

Stormwater Action Monitoring - Administering pooled resources

Credible and transparent administration of Stormwater Action Monitoring program.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/administration

Stormwater Action Monitoring - Effectiveness studies

Learning what works best to reduce urban runoff volumes and pollution in Western Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring/stormwater-action-monitoring/sam-effectiveness-studies

Stormwater monitoring

Stormwater monitoring helps us know how well water quality permits are working.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/reporting-requirements/stormwater-monitoring

Upland Finfish Hatching & Rearing General Permit

This water quality permit covers certain hatcheries that raise finfish species.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/upland-finfish-permit

401 Water Quality Certifications for non-hydropower permits

We review projects needing federal approval to assure compliance with state water quality standards.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification/non-hydropower-401-certifications