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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Columbia River water use compliance

Our watermaster investigates possible unauthorized use.

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

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

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

Metering technical information

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

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

Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding (2021)

This is the emergency rulemaking page for Chapter 173-167 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-167-2021

Chapter 173-501 WAC

On May 27, 2020, Ecology adopted amendments to Chapter 173-501 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-501

Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding (2023)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-167 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/closed-rulemaking/wac-173-167-2023

Chapter 173-503A WAC

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-503A WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-503a-feb15

Chapter 173-525 WAC

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-525 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-525-mar05

Chapter 173-526 WAC

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-526 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-526-mar05

Chapter 173-167 WAC Emergency Drought Funding (2024)

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-167 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-167-2024-28119efcad412da8f533ebdc1470dba2

Sprague Lake Community Mtg

Sprague Lake Hydrology Analysis Community Kick-Off Meeting November 22, 2022

https://ecology.wa.gov/sprague-lake

Cannabis licensing and the environment

Environmental permits may be required for cannabis growers and processors.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/guidance-for-cannabis-businesses

Frequently flooded areas: Critical Areas Ordinance

Frequently flooded areas are covered by Critical Areas Ordinances promoting safety from floods.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/guidance-for-floodplains-critical-areas-ordinanc

Underground injection control well registration requirements & information

Get Underground Injection Control (UIC) well registration requirements and information.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/underground-injection-control-program/uic-registration-requirements-information

Heat pump & air conditioning return flow UIC wells

Groundwater circulated through a heat pump/air conditioning (HAC) system has to meet requirements.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/guidance-technical-assistance/underground-injection-control-program/heat-pump-air-conditioning-return-flow-wells

401 Water Quality Certifications for federal facilities

EPA writes NPDES permits for federal facilities. We issue water quality certifications for permits.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/401-water-quality-certification/certifications-for-npdes-federal-permits

WAC 173-166 Emergency drought relief

This is the rulemaking page for Chapter 173-166 WAC.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/laws-rules-rulemaking/rulemaking/wac-173-166

Industrial facility permits and regulation

We regulate air, water, and waste for most of the large industrial facilities in Washington.

https://ecology.wa.gov/regulations-permits/permits-certifications/industrial-facilities-permits

Clean Water Act: Section 401 Water Quality Certifications

Under the Clean Water Act, we help make sure projects, actions, and activities don't harm state waters.

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