Permit guide · Lower or drain the water

Do I need a permit to lower or drain my pond in Pennsylvania?

Short answer: If the water body is larger than 1 acre, or the project needs another state permit, yes: PFBC's Permit to Draw Off Water from Impoundments. It's free, reviewed with DEP's dam safety staff, and due at least 30 days before you start. Time it before turtles, frogs and salamanders hibernate in the mud.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

Start your permit plan

The permit. Lowering the water in a pond, lake or other impoundment needs PFBC's Permit to Draw Off Water from Impoundments when the water body is larger than 1 acre, or at any size when the project needs another state permit (for example a DEP dam permit or a water obstruction and encroachment permit). Apply at least 30 days before the drawdown; there is no fee. PFBC and DEP's dam safety staff review it together. PFBC warns that drawing a pond down after turtles, frogs and salamanders begin hibernating in the mud can kill them.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

What the form asks for. The impoundment's name, county, municipality and receiving stream; the DEP dam ID number if there is one; the surface area, maximum depth and how far below normal pool you'll go; the method (valve, gate, stoplog, siphon or pump) and dates; where any fish will go; the purpose; and a map. For dam, dredging, shoreline, beach or dock work, the form's DEP supplement asks for plans and photos.

Smaller ponds. If the pond is 1 acre or smaller and the project needs no other state permit, PFBC's drawdown permit isn't triggered. The wildlife timing still matters.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

Wildlife timing. PFBC warns that if you draw a pond down after turtles, frogs and salamanders begin hibernating in the mud, and that mud is exposed, the animals will likely be killed. A drawdown can dry out and partly control plants in the exposed area, especially together with freezing weather.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments: Drawdown Considerations This may be outdated

Regulated dams. Any repair or change to a DEP-regulated (jurisdictional) dam should go to DEP's Division of Dam Safety first for a decision on what is required. Repairing a non-jurisdictional pond dam is not regulated under Chapter 105, but an erosion and sediment control plan must still be followed.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105 (Dam/Outlet Repair; FAQ) This may be outdated

Dams and spillways can fail and hurt people downstream. Use a licensed professional engineer.

Questions people ask

Is there a fee for a drawdown permit?

No. Over 1 acre (or with another state permit): PFBC drawdown permit, 30+ days ahead, no fee. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

How far ahead do I apply?

At least 30 days before the drawdown. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

My pond is under an acre. Do I need it?

Only if the project needs another state permit. Over 1 acre (or with another state permit): PFBC drawdown permit, 30+ days ahead, no fee. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

Who reviews it?

PFBC, together with DEP's dam safety staff. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments This may be outdated

Can I lower my pond to kill weeds?

PFBC warns that if you draw a pond down after turtles, frogs and salamanders begin hibernating in the mud, and that mud is exposed, the animals will likely be killed. A drawdown can dry out and partly control plants in the exposed area, especially together with freezing weather. The permit rule is the same whatever the reason. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply to Draw Off Water from Impoundments: Drawdown Considerations This may be outdated

I'm repairing the dam. What else do I need?

Any repair or change to a DEP-regulated (jurisdictional) dam should go to DEP's Division of Dam Safety first for a decision on what is required. Repairing a non-jurisdictional pond dam is not regulated under Chapter 105, but an erosion and sediment control plan must still be followed. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Introduction to Ponds and Chapter 105 (Dam/Outlet Repair; FAQ) This may be outdated