The Department has jurisdiction over all matters pertaining to surface water, rights for storage, irrigation, power, manufacturing, instream flows and other beneficial uses. This includes the distribution of available supply during times of water shortages and adjudication of established water rights. Any person who wishes to divert and use the waters of a natural stream or lake must first get a permit or water right from the Department. In water short areas of the state, the process for receiving a permit may include a formal hearing. These hearings are subject to review by the Nebraska Court of Appeals.

Holders of water rights must use the water in accordance with the provisions written on the permit. Failure to so use the water will result in the Department conducting a hearing to cancel or annul the permit. This process is called an "adjudication" and is subject to review by the Nebraska Court of Appeals.

Surface Water Administration
2011 Water Rights: Notices of Hearings
2011 Water Administration
Apportionments 2011
Surface Water Statutes
Surface Water Rules


Surface Water Information
Nebraska's Water Ownership and Rights Information (August 2010)
Water Wells & Water Rights (August 2007)
Net Irrigation Requirement Map (May 2006)
Surface Water Forms
Moratoriums on New Surface Water Rights
Restrictions on Surface Water Appropriations In Nebraska as of April 08, 2009
Stays Placed on Surface Water Appropriations Due to the Determination that Surface Water is Fully Appropriated or Overappropriated Restrictions Issued by the Department of Natural Resources as of July, 2008
Temporary Stays Requested by Natural Resources Districts to be Placed on Surface Water Appropriations Restrictions Issued by the Department of Natural Resources as of September, 2008
Surface Water Administration for Natural Flow Permits - Reading Format (January 2009)
Surface Water Administration for Natural Flow Permits - Brochure Format (January 2009)
Water Rights Adjudication Brochure (2006)
Nebraska Estimated Total Water Withdrawals
(by water use category)- 2005
Nebraska Estimated Total Surface Water and Groundwater Withdrawals

• Nebraska Surface Water and Groundwater Use - 2005
• Nebraska Surface Water and Groundwater Use - 2000
• Nebraska Surface Water and Groundwater Use - 1995
  
Irrigation and Reclamation Districts and Water Delivery Companies (2011)


Surface Water Data
Surface Water Rights Data Retrieval
Hydrographic Report and Station List (2008)
DNR Stream Gaging