The Surface Water Permitting Program regulates facilities discharging domestic and industrial wastewater directly into surface waters of the state (e.g. river, streams, lakes, marshes or the ocean). These facilities operate under the authority of a New Jersey Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NJPDES) permit which limits pollutants discharged.

Permittees include various industries, federal, state, county, and municipal facilities, private companies, private residential developments, hospitals, and schools. Collectively, the facilities regulated by this bureau serves the wastewater treatment needs of 7 million people and 100s of industries.

This program also conducts biological, toxicological, thermal impact assessments, and other water quality studies.