GP7 - Pesticides

In accordance with federal Clean Water Act requirements, the NPDES section developed a general permit that authorizes the discharge of biological pesticides and chemical pesticides that leave a residue from point sources to waters of the United States. The permit covers discharges resulting from the application of pesticides to control aquatic nuisance insects and animals, weeds, algae, bacteria, fungi, fish parasites, and forest canopy pests.

Please note that while the Pesticides General Permit (PGP, General Permit #7, or GP7) provides coverage under the federal Clean Water Act, there are also separate state-based requirements for applying pesticides to public waters. These state requirements must also be followed, and the rules can be found in the Iowa Administrative Code at 571 IAC Chapter 54.

Current Pesticides General Permit

The first version of GP7 became effective March 30, 2011. GP7 has been reissued three times. The current version is effective from July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2028. Please note, Notices of Intent (NOIs) are not required for coverage under the reissued general permit.

Please see the following links for more information concerning GP7 and the waterbodies referenced in the permit.

• Final General Permit #7 and Additional Information
  • Pesticides General Permit #7
  • Pesticides General Permit Rationale
• Waterbody Reference Tables for Pesticides General Permit
  • Iowa Waterbodies Designated for Drinking Water Use (Class C)
  • Outstanding Iowa Waters (OIW)

Pesticide Discharge to Class C Waters (Drinking Water)

The Pesticides General Permit requires you to obtain prior authorization from the Iowa DNR for pesticide discharges near shallow wells and to Class C (drinking) waters.

In order to request authorization, you will need to complete and submit a Class C Waters Form at least ninety days prior to the planned pesticide application.