Q: I want to build a dock, or house, do I need a permit?

A: Maybe. See the Division of Resource Management, they handle all permits and you can download permit applications.

Q: I have a Boating question.

A: The Office of Land Management oversees recreational water usage in Illinois, including Boating. For information on dams and rivers in the Chicago area, try the Chicago Area Fishing & Paddling Guide.

Q: I have a question about fish, fishing, pond restocking or algae.

A: Try the Office of Land Management, Fisheries. They can help you deal with all things fish and have publications on algae, plus handle working with chemicals.

Q: I want to purchase River maps or charts.

A: The Office of Water Resources does not carry maps, but the USGS does along with a wide variety of others. Bathymetric style maps, river maps, satellite mapping, anchorages, marinas, rapids, floodplains etcetera are available at the following URL.

Q: I am looking for information concerning the impoundment of water in regard to irrigation.

A: If the problem is generated as a result of construction activity by a private individual, the solution may be referred to the OWR's Permit Section for enforcement action. An OWR permit is required for work on Illinois streams if a mapped floodway exists at the project site or if the drainage area at the proposed work is greater than 1 sq. mi. in urban/urbanizing areas, or 10 sq. mi. in rural areas. See Resource Management's area, and the permits section for more information.

Q: I am concerned about the water quality near my home.

A: Contact the Illinois EPA.

Q: Does Illinois have a law governing how resulting water runoff from processes should be disposed of?

A: Yes it does, contact the Illinois EPA's Regulations page, and visit this page, which tells you when a permit is needed.

Q: Where can I look up water well information for any well in Illinois?

A: Information on community wells was available on the USGS/IEPA sourcewater protection web page, but, since 9/11/2001 it has been taken offline. Limited information on private wells is still available on the Illinois State Water Survey's web site. Probably the best way to get detailed information on a private well is to request a copy of the original well log from the ISWS Groundwater information office (217-333-2210 or through the web address above.) You need to know the exact legal description of the well location, from county, range, township, down to 1/4 1/4 1/4 Section. Street addresses are usually inadequate. There is a small fee for securing this, but it will give you the original drillers log with more information than is on the web. If the well has been drilled since 1988, you may also ask at your local health department for a copy of the well log.

Q: I would like to get information regarding a pipeline that runs through the State of Illinois.

A: IDNR's Division of Oil and Gas does not regulate pipelines and OWR does not deal with pipelines at all. You may wish to check with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency or the Illinois Commerce Commission for information.