The Watershed Management Division is responsible for protecting, maintaining, enhancing and restoring the quality of Vermont's surface water resources. Inherent in this effort is the support of both healthy ecosystems and public uses in and on Vermont’s 800 lakes and ponds, 23,000 miles of rivers and streams and 300,000 acres of wetlands.
The Division includes three media-specific programs, Wetlands, Rivers and Lakes, that provide for the comprehensive management of these resources through science-based management and permitting programs and activities. The Division also administers federally delegated Stormwater and Wastewater permitting programs that regulate discharges to surface waters. The Monitoring and Assessment program monitors and assesses surface water quality and supports the development of plans and reports that identify protection and restoration needs and actions. The Business and Operational Support Services program provides administrative, financial, and compliance services for the entire Division, with the goal of promoting efficiency, enhancing consistency, and better leveraging technology.
