DE HB158

Transfers control of water allocation permits for agricultural irrigation from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to the Department of Agriculture.

Secretary of Agriculture shall establish procedures for issuing licenses or permits to construct, extend, or operate irrigation wells or surface water intakes on farms or farmland in Delaware.

Water allocation permits reserve the right to use up to 20 acre-inches of water per year, with a monthly limit of 10 acre-inches per acre-inch equals 27,154 gallons.

Creates an advisory oversight committee chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture with representatives from the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Delaware Farm Bureau, Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, an irrigation dealer, and a commercial irrigation well driller.

Secretary of Agriculture shall issue water allocation permits to existing permit holders whose current authorized use is limited to 20 acre-inches per year or less.