The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is launching a new online Water Use Reporting System (WatURS) for the state’s major water users that allows any person or entity producing 100,000 gallons or more per day to fulfill the requirement of reporting annual water use. WatURS data collected from major water users support geologic and hydraulic research and planning efforts for quality of life and economic development initiatives. The system is more user-friendly for major water users and staff, and replaces the state’s previous online reporting system.
Understanding water use and access by region will make planning easier. However, no information shared by major water users can be used to limit or tax water usage, and Missouri has no state-level permitting of water use. DNR will provide guidance to users later this year, and will still accept major water user reporting via mail.
The department has made annual inventories of major water users since 1983. Municipalities, businesses, or other entities producing 100,000 gallons per day are required to report the volume of water used (via groundwater wells, diversion from surface water streams and rivers, and so forth) by March 31 of the year following the usage.
