MoDNR Topics
Water Resources Center
The Water Resources Center’s responsibilities are defined in the Missouri Water Resource Law, which addresses the development, conservation and utilization of the state’s water resources. To assist communities, public entities and state and federal agencies, the Center provides technical assistance through drought assessment, planning and water resource monitoring.
Functional units within the center include:
Dam and Reservoir Safety: The Dam and Reservoir Safety staff and the Dam and Reservoir Safety Council are responsible for ensuring that all new and existing non-agricultural, nonfederal dams 35 feet or more in height meet minimum safety standards as established by the Dam and Reservoir Safety Law.
Groundwater: operates and maintains a groundwater level observation well network for monitoring Missouri’s aquifers. Collection and analysis of groundwater data provides knowledge of available water quantity, aquifer response to water use, groundwater recharge and aquifer characteristics.
Interstate Waters: coordinates issues relating to major river basins that affect Missouri, and provides technical support for negotiations and litigation actions to protect the state’s rights to this water
State Water Plan: provides technical support to the Missouri Drought Assessment Committee, and leadership and coordination of State Water Resources.
Surface Water: provides technical support by performing water supply analyses, in-stream flow assessments and floodplain studies. The surface water section also administers the collection and analysis of statewide water use data in accordance with the Major Water User Law.
Although water quantity and water quality are intricately related, the Water Resources Center does not address water quality issues. Please visit the Water Protection Program for such concerns as 401/404 permits, CAFOs, 303(d) information, public drinking water information, etc.
