Withdrawal and end use of exported water must be within 30 miles of the border for a person exporting water to be considered exempt.

As of Aug. 28, 2025, water exportation permits are required for any person to withdraw water from any water resource for exportation outside the state of Missouri. Two exemptions are included in the Water Preservation Act:

  • Exporting bottled water or water packaged in containers intended for single use.
  • The withdrawal and end use of water resources are within 30 miles of Missouri’s border. End use refers to the final location where the exported water will be used, consumed or applied for a stated beneficial use. 

Missouri issues water export permits to protect the access, use and enjoyment of Missouri’s water. Applications are site-specific, issued to the location(s) which the applicant has applied for. For additional information, review the department's Water Exportation Permitting: Frequently Asked Questions - PUB3099

*To help implement the Water Preservation Act, the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Water Resources Center is monitoring surface water basins, stream flow, soil moisture, precipitation and groundwater aquifers, as well as the usage of this water in Missouri, to understand the hydraulic condition of the state and its effect on water resources. 

Length of Permit

Three years*, the maximum period currently allowed by state law.

*If a state of emergency is declared by the governor, for all or any part of the state based on drought conditions, the department must reevaluate any existing water exportation permits.

Laws, Rules and Regulations

How to Apply

Application

The applicant completes the following application.

  • Coming soon!

Submit the application and any supporting documents, as applicable, by one of the methods noted below: 

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Geological Survey
Water Resources Center 
P.O. Box 250
Rolla, MO 65401-0250

The department may request additional information once the initial application has been submitted. Once received, the department will provide a confirmation letter of receipt to the person applying for the application.

Fees

No fees to apply for this permit.

Timeline/ Process

The application process can take up to 270 days (approximately 9 months). The state statute allows 270 days for the department to approve or deny the permit. The following steps are taken after a permit application is submitted, regardless if it is the initial permit or a permit renewal. 

  • Within 30 days of receiving the application, the department will notify the county commission of the county where water will be exported from.
  • Within 120 days of receiving the application, the department will complete a review of the application and determine if the applicant is in compliance with the statute. The department may request additional information if the application is not complete, which will delay the review process.
  • The department will draft a determination of the applicant’s compliance with the statute and invite the public to review the determination and submit written comments during a 30-day public comment period.
  • Within 60 days after the public comment period, the department will submit a recommendation and all public comments to the Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission.
  • Within 30 days of receiving the department’s recommendation, the commission will hold a public hearing.
  • Within 30 days of the public hearing, the commission will approve or deny the permit. The commission may approve the permit in whole or in part.

Public Participation

For each permit application, the department’s determination of the applicant’s compliance with the statute is open to public comments for 30 days. The department conducts public participation activities for the determination, as described in section 640.406, RSMo. For public notice information about any determinations currently on public notice or scheduled public hearings, visit Water Public Notices webpage.

The department will submit those comments along with the recommendation to the Missouri Soil and Water Districts Commission. The commission will hold a public hearing for each permit application before approving or denying the permit.

Appeal Procedures

Major Water Users may request the department to reevaluate any existing water exportation permit using the criteria under subsection 4 of the statute. If you would like to submit a request, you must reference your Major Water Users identification number, identify the exporting activity for which a reevaluation is requested and provide justification for the need of the reevaluation. Email the request to mowaters@dnr.mo.gov.

Requirements

Annual Reporting

Permit holders and exempt exporters must complete and submit an annual report form between January 1 and January 31, for the previous calendar year. For example, the annual report submitted in January 2026 would include water used between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 31, 2025. 

Submit the form by one of the methods noted below:

Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Missouri Geological Survey
Water Resources Center 
P.O. Box 250
Rolla, MO 65401-0250

Renewal

State statue requires permit holders wanting to renew a valid permit to submit a renewal application no later than 271 days before the permit expires. Completed applications should be submitted by email to mowaters@dnr.mo.gov. The renewal process follows the same procedure as the initial application for the permit. 

Resources

Permit Modifications

After issuance, a water exportation permit cannot be modified. All persons receiving a permit must follow the conditions contained in that permit until it expires or resubmit their application for the review process.

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