Permitting

Discharge permits define the quality of a permitted discharge to protect the waters of the State as defined in Nevada Revised Statue (NRS) 445A.415. The Bureau of Water Pollution Control may issue individual, general, or temporary permits. The types of discharge, duration, and potentially impacted waters are considered when deciding on the type of permit required. For more information on which program applies to you, please see below or go to the Permits Overview Document.


  • National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and State Permits
    • (NPDES) Permits are for facilities that discharge to surface water of the United States.
    • State permits are for groundwater and surface waters not covered under a NPDES permit.
  • Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Program
    • See the program page to see if you qualify.
  • Onsite Sewage Disposal System (OSDS) Program – Existing or proposed
    • This permit controls and reduces pollution to groundwaters of the State from domestic sewage related to commercial activities.
  • Stormwater Discharge Permits
    • Permits regulate stormwater runoff from municipalities, construction sites, and certain industrial facilities.
  • General
    • DeMinimis Discharge Program: authorizes clean water discharges to surface water of the United States from five discharge categories
    • Routine maintenance activities: this permit is for when heavy equipment is utilized for routine maintenance in or near a waterway.
    • Pesticide General Permit: for application of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, rodenticides and insecticides to surface water of the United States.
  • Temporary The discharge is expected to last between 48 hours and six months (180 days)
    • Temporary Discharge to Waters of the State Permit: covers discharges from remediation and disinfection activities, well pump testing, aquifer drawdown testing, dewatering, underground injection of fluids, and other discharges of a temporary nature. Requires immediate action.
    • Working in Waterways Temporary Permit: covers temporary work in surface waters of the State.
  • Underground injection Control (UIC) 
    • Prevents degradation of underground sources of drinking water within the State. The permits are for injection wells.
  • Holding Tanks
    • Allow for the proper onsite collection. Temporary and permanent storage of domestic sewage from commercial activities.

If you are unable to submit an application on-line, please contact the BWPC at (775) 687-9418 for assistance. Regarding payments, please go to the Fees page

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