Permit guide · Pipe or pump stream water to a pond

Do I need a permit to pump water from a stream into my pond in Pennsylvania?

Short answer: Often yes. A pipe, intake or outfall in or along a stream is a Chapter 105 water obstruction; many fit DEP's GP-4, but not in High Quality or Exceptional Value streams or wetlands. Withdrawals averaging more than 10,000 gallons per day over any 30 days must be registered with DEP, and river basin commissions may need to approve.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Water Withdrawal Registration & Reporting (25 Pa. Code Chapter 110) This may be outdated

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The intake itself. General Permit 4 (GP-4) covers intake and outfall structures in, along, across or projecting into regulated waters. It is not for High Quality or Exceptional Value waters or for wetlands. The registration fee in the regulation is $200. Docks, piers, walls and fill in or touching any pond or lake are regulated 'water obstructions'.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Sources: Chapter 105 General Permits; fees from 25 Pa. Code § 105.13(c)(2); 25 Pa. Code § 105.1, Definitions This may be outdated

High Quality and Exceptional Value streams. If the stream is HQ or EV, or the intake is in a wetland, GP-4 can't be used. Chapter 105 work that doesn't qualify for a waiver or a general permit needs an individual water obstruction and encroachment permit through DEP's Joint Permit Application, reviewed by DEP's regional office or a delegated conservation district. DEP recommends a pre-application meeting. In most cases the same application also covers the federal Army Corps authorization.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Apply for a Water Obstruction and Encroachment Joint Permit (Chapter 105) This may be outdated

How much water. If your total withdrawal from a stream or other source in a watershed averages more than 10,000 gallons per day in any 30-day period, DEP's Chapter 110 rules require you to register the withdrawal and report use every year. Depending on the amount and purpose, the Susquehanna River Basin Commission or the Delaware River Basin Commission may also need to approve it, and a withdrawal may never dry up or degrade the water source.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Water Withdrawal Registration & Reporting (25 Pa. Code Chapter 110) This may be outdated

Navigable rivers. On state-owned navigable waters, docks also need a Submerged Lands License Agreement.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Submerged Lands License Agreement This may be outdated

Digging the line. E&S practices always; written E&S plan from 5,000 square feet; NPDES permit from 1 acre. Digging with machines? Notify PA One Call (811) 3 to 10 business days ahead, homeowners included.

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Sources: Frequently Asked Questions: Erosion and Sediment Control (rev. Aug 12, 2026), FAQ #5; PA One Call: Homeowner FAQs; PA Act 287 as amended This may be outdated

Questions people ask

Do I need a permit for a portable pump in the creek?

Chapter 105 covers structures in, along, across or projecting into regulated waters; whether a temporary pump and hose count is a question for DEP or your delegated conservation district. Registration depends on how much water you take, not on the equipment. Withdrawals averaging over 10,000 gallons a day (30-day average) must be registered with DEP. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Water Withdrawal Registration & Reporting (25 Pa. Code Chapter 110) This may be outdated

How do I know if my stream is High Quality or Exceptional Value?

DEP keeps the classifications; your conservation district or DEP regional office can confirm a stream's class. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Chapter 105 General Permits; fees from 25 Pa. Code § 105.13(c)(2) This may be outdated

How much water can I take without registering?

Withdrawals averaging over 10,000 gallons a day (30-day average) must be registered with DEP. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Water Withdrawal Registration & Reporting (25 Pa. Code Chapter 110) This may be outdated

What does GP-4 cost?

GP-4: intakes and outfalls; not in HQ/EV waters or wetlands; $200 registration. Checked Oct 4, 2026

Checked Oct 4, 2026 · Source: Chapter 105 General Permits; fees from 25 Pa. Code § 105.13(c)(2) This may be outdated