We are proposing revisions to the Utah Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Division of Water Quality (DWQ) permitting fee schedule. These changes are designed to make the fee schedule easier to understand, more equitable for permittees, and better capable of supporting efficient permit processing.
What you need to know
What has changed?
Most changed fees are for permittees who have a groundwater, underground injection control, operating, reuse, large underground wastewater system, Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES) individual, industrial individual, or pretreatment permit.
Overall, DWQ-administered permits have a proposed fee increase of 5% to keep pace with inflation and rising cost of living.
See the 2027 Draft Fee Schedule for specifics.
When would these changes start?
Proposed changes would go into effect on July 1, 2026.
Why are these changes being made?
These fee changes are designed to make the fee schedule easier to understand, more equitable for permittees, and better capable of supporting efficient permit processing. You’ll notice many permits have had their fees increased. We know fee increases can be challenging and don’t make these changes lightly. We have historically relied on external funding to cover many of the costs associated with permitting. Unfortunately, with anticipated federal funding cuts, we must charge fees that adequately cover staff time
Where can I learn more?
You can read about changes in more detail in the following handouts.
How to get involved
We encourage your participation in upcoming events and feedback opportunities.
Submit your feedback
Send official comments on the proposed changes via email, to Craig Silotti ([email protected]). Comments must be received by September 15, 2025.
Attend the official DEQ fee hearing
Attend DEQ’s official public fee hearing on September 11, 2025 to submit public comment. See the DEQ Public Fee Hearing 2027 DEQ Fees for details.
Timeline
- Informal outreach and permittee feedback survey in July: Email outreach to groundwater and individual permittees for informal feedback on their fee preferences.
- Outreach and start of public comment period in August: Email outreach to groundwater, individual, and engineering permittees to share proposed changes, change documentation, and invite public comment.
- September 11, 2025: Formal DEQ Public Hearing for public comment on all DEQ fees.
- September 15, 2025: Last day to submit public comment via email or mail.
- July 1, 2026: Updated fee schedule goes into effect.