Large Groundwater Withdrawal
Required permit for wells that withdraw groundwater at an average rate of 40 gallons per minute or 57,600 gallons per day or more.
A large groundwater withdrawal is a withdrawal from well/s installed after August 1998 of more than 57,600 gallons over any 24-hour period (equivalent to an average of 40 gallons per minute). Large groundwater withdrawals require a permit from the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES). Withdrawals from wells installed prior to August 1998 are exempt and do not have to comply with these requirements in accordance with RSA 485-C:22.
In order to obtain a large groundwater withdrawal permit, the well owner or applicant (typically a public water supplier, bottled water manufacturer, or golf course) must complete an extensive testing and review process. The details of the permitting process and requirements can be found in RSA 485-C:21-25 and NHDES administrative rules Env-Wq 403, Large Groundwater Withdrawals.
Status of Pending Large Groundwater Withdrawal Permit Applications
| Town | Applicant | Requested Withdrawal Volume (gallons per day) | Application Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colebrook | Town of Colebrook | 432,000 | Preliminary Application Approved |
| Exeter | Town of Exeter | 576,000 | Preliminary Application Approved |
| Grantham | Village District of Eastman | 172,800 | Preliminary Application Approved |
| Littleton | Littleton Water and Light | 305,000 | Final Report Received |
| Loudon | Bright Farms, Inc. | 180,000 | Preliminary Application Received |
| Newport | Newport Water Works | 576,000 | Preliminary Application Received |
| Seabrook | Town of Seabrook | 288,000 | Preliminary Application Approved |
| Thornton | Owl’s Nest Resort and Golf Club | 648,000 | Preliminary Application Approved |