irrigation from a creek; do I need a permit and tips/advice

[Gary Fowler]

I would theorize that taking the water out of the creek wouldnt be an issue seeing as where you are is not a water rationing area however run-off is a very serious problem with contamination of creeks. If you are zoned as farming land, there shouldnt be a problem at all as natural rain is going to wash into the creek so irrigation water would also although watering to the point of running off is a waste of energy.
ONLY way to tell for sure would be to start with your County Ag Extension agent who can advise you who else to contact for any permissives.

 

[DFB]

Most rivers and streams fall under Dept of Natural Resources. At the orchard in Mass. we run things we do by the town's conservation commissioner (local enforcement of state DEP)

Far as I know Vermont has no prohibitions on homeowners taking water for gardens

So this is what I found online
State Water Withdrawal Regulations

 

[bcp]

Heck, if you were out west, you might not even own the water in the creek. :shocked:

You might not even own the rainwater that falls on your house.

Collecting rainwater now illegal in many states as Big Government claims ownership over our water

Bruce

 

[Gunny]

Most of the laws governing water ownership are in the Western states. And I would think that 50' would be plenty far enough to take care of any leaching laws, if you had any and since your property line goes to the center of the creek, I'd bet you're good to go.

Every state is different, here in Kentucky, if it's a "navigable" stream, your line can only go to the edge of the water, but there are no laws or restrictions on pumping out of it.

I'd just call the County Extension Office and ask them. If they have to have a name of who's calling, give them whatever sounds good.

In my mind, I'd just go ahead and pump, it's not like you're going to drain the creek and cause any ecological disaster just watering a garden

 

[300UGUY]

I know where my folks are in Florida, it's illegal to divert rainwater!!! They frequently have bans on watering lawns also. Doesn't seem to bother the golf course's. They pump thousands of gallons per day. I guess if you have lots of money, you make your own rules.

 

[creekbend]

You might not even own the rainwater that falls on your house.

Collecting rainwater now illegal in many states as Big Government claims ownership over our water

Bruce

I was aware that "Water Brokers" bought and sold water rights in some states, but I was completely unaware of the laws regarding rainwater. In my opinion, this is crazy. Definitely ridiculous.

 

[rkeith]

I am a next-door neighbor in Mississippi. My first stop would be to check with my county district supervisor.

In Mississippi each county is highly independent, so the rules in one county may not apply to another county.

Personally, it would not occur to me that I would need a permit to withdraw water from a creek that runs through my property. Many years ago I built a lowhead dam across a creek that runs through my property and the beavers do that regularly.

But, these days, who knows? Good luck!

Well the city owns a park on the otherside of the creek and it's wide open so it's not like it would be hidden. So... I figure I'd better do things by the book!

 

[rkeith]

I was aware that "Water Brokers" bought and sold water rights in some states, but I was completely unaware of the laws regarding rainwater. In my opinion, this is crazy. Definitely ridiculous.

That was struck down by a federal judge! I think it was struck down in December or earlier this month, I can't remember but the judge ruled that under the Clean Water Act that rain water was not a pollutant.

Here it is! http://video.foxnews.com/v/2072031526001/federal-judge-rules-epa-overstepped-authority-in-virginia/

 

[TomSeller]

I have a creek right next to the garden. I have water rights from the creek that I preserve by having put a pump there. The county was trying to pull water rights for those not using them and I had quit using a pump and had removed it. They now see the pump and have quit asking. I have I think about 5 water rights on the property and one of them is specific to the garden believe it our not. Talk about big govt.

Truth be known, I actually irrigate from a low pressure artisan well on the property that puts out about 5 psi. The pressure is perfect for drip tape or soaker hose which I leave in the rows and have a timer set to turn on every other day or so. I also know the dairy farm directly upstream is always in trouble with the county for proximity to the creek and the creek runs dirty from time to time. So I don't mind not having that flavor when I pick veggies.

 

[creekbend]

That was struck down by a federal judge! I think it was struck down in December or earlier this month, I can't remember but the judge ruled that under the Clean Water Act that rain water was not a pollutant.

Here it is! Federal judge rules EPA overstepped authority in Virginia | Fox News Video

I enjoyed the video. Thanks for posting that Link.