To protect the quality of the water in the state's rivers, streams and lakes, wastewater treatment and collection facilities must apply for and receive various types of permits.

See the links below, or in the navigation to the left, for information about permits and approvals required before a wastewater treatment plant can be constructed or can begin to discharge into waters of the commonwealth.

Wastewater Construction

Permits must be issued by the Division of Water prior to start of construction on wastewater treatment or conveyance systems.

Wastewater Discharge

All discharges (runoff) into waters of the commonwealth require a permit. For example, stormwater runoff from industrial facilities, from construction operations and from municipalities, requires a permit. In addition, mining operations and concentrated animal feeding operations require permits from the Division of Water.

Whole Effluent Toxicity Testing

The Whole Effluent Toxicity (WET) program is managed by the Water Quality Branch of the Kentucky Division of Water. Staff provide technical review of all self-monitoring reports conducted by the regulated community for compliance, as well as Toxicity Reduction Evaluations (TREs).