Water Resources Center

Laws and Regulations

  • The term "statute" generally means an act or law passed by a legislative body, such as the Missouri General Assembly or the United States Congress.
  • The term "regulation" generally means a rule or standard that has the force of law once promulgated by an administrative agency within its statutory authority. Sometimes referred to as a "Rule."

State regulations are developed through the rulemaking process, by departments or commissions given such authority by statute.

State Rules in Development

State Regulations

State Laws

Federal Regulations

  • None

Federal Laws

  • None

For More Information

Copies of the state water laws can be viewed at the Department of Natural Resources’ Rolla and Jefferson City offices, the Missouri State Library, U.S. Depository Libraries and most public libraries. Or, you can view Water Resources Report 51, Missouri Water Law, by Charles R. Hays, Richard M. Gaffney and William J. Bryan.

Department Laws and Regulations