JEFFERSON CITY, MO - November 18, 2025 – Missouri has begun implementing a new law requiring permits for any water exported from the state, a move officials say is designed to safeguard the state’s water resources. The missouri Department of natural Resources (DNR) is currently developing rules for the permitting process, with public input opportunities planned.
The legislation,signed into law this summer and effective as late August,addresses concerns about large-scale water exports potentially impacting Missouri’s agricultural operations and overall water availability. DNR Director Kurt Schaefer explained the impetus behind the law,stating,”The idea of maybe some other state coming in and tapping into that groundwater or Missouri River water to the detriment of those farmers was a real concern.”
The law requires registration for any entity using over 100,000 gallons of Missouri water annually. Exemptions exist, particularly for entities operating on both sides of state lines, such as municipalities providing water across state borders. “it depends on the quantity of water and that’s what we’re going to determine right now,” Schaefer said.
Applications for water export permits are now available on the DNR website: https://dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/permits-certifications/exportation.
Brownfield Ag News has published interviews with both DNR Director Kurt Schaefer and Dru Buntin regarding the new regulations, available at these links: https://cdn.brownfieldagnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/111825-Schaefer.mp3 and https://cdn.brownfieldagnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/102125-Dru-Buntin.mp3.
