ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is rolling out a new system for managing water use permits as part of its continued effort to assure the sustainability of groundwater.

The DNR has created an Internet-based system to make it easier for people to apply for permits or seek changes in current permits. The system will also be used for reporting compliance data.

The agency says the change will be more efficient. The DNR says it will save about $255,000 annually, and will free up staff to do more work to field work to improve the environment.

The system also gives applicants access to maps and allows them to track their application status.