The Arkansas Water Plan is the state’s long-term policy framework for water resource management. It brings together data, science, and public input to assess water demands, available supplies, and strategies for meeting Arkansas’s future needs.
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture is responsible for maintaining and implementing the plan. Water Plan Compliance Certification ensures that water and wastewater projects align with the plan’s goals and legal requirements.
Water Plan compliance ensures responsible water and wastewater project development across Arkansas. It helps maintain reliable, safe, and affordable systems while protecting water resources and encouraging coordination between utility providers.
Unless exempt, all public water and wastewater projects must comply with the Arkansas Water Plan regardless of how the project is funded.
What Is Considered in a Compliance Review?
When evaluating a project for compliance, the Department considers:
- Purpose and necessity of the project
- Existing system conditions
- Expected benefits
- Geographic area served
- General project scope
- Technical and financial feasibility
- Estimated cost and user affordability
- Compatibility with regional water resource coordination
Process Overview
- Submit an Exemption Request – Begin by submitting the Water Plan Compliance Exemption Request Form. This determines whether the proposed project qualifies for exemption under Title VI.
- Determine Review Requirement – Projects that are not exempt will require full review. These include:
- New water supply sources
- New/different withdrawal points
- Increased treatment plant capacity
- System expansions where combined usage exceeds 80% of capacity
- Expansions increasing average use by more than 20%
- Flood control or drainage projects
- Projects overlapping with other certified service areas
- Master Plans per Section 602
- Application & Engineering Report – Applicants will be sent a Water Plan Compliance Application to complete and return along with a Preliminary Engineering Report.
- Application Fee – A $200 fee (due within 90 days) is required once staff recommends the project for review.
- Public Notice & Hearing – The Department will:
- Publish a notice at least 10 days before the hearing in a local newspaper
- Require the applicant to notify all water/wastewater utilities within a 5-mile radius and provide a copy of the engineering report
- Conduct a public hearing and hold a 14-day public comment period
- Final Determination – If approved, the applicant will receive a Final Determination Letter confirming compliance with the Arkansas Water Plan. The letter will include any required modifications.
Forms and Documents
Program Contact: Josh Burns
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (501) 682-3916