According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Census of Agriculture, less than 1% of cropland in North Dakota was irrigated in 2022. This was the lowest among the ten states entirely or partially covered by the Missouri River Basin and below the U.S. average for irrigated cropland, which is 14.4%. To identify the locations and areas of North Dakota croplands that have potential for future irrigation development, NDSU conducted a statewide irrigation reconnaissance study through a cooperative effort with the ND Irrigation Association, DWR, and Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

2025 North Dakota Statewide Irrigation Reconnaissance Study (PDF)

As a result of Senate Bill 2027, there are multiple requirements for communities participating in the NFIP. An ordinance update as well as the submission of a certification form to the DWR is now required. See the Senate Bill 2027 Resources page for more information.

From the Headwaters, a podcast from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources, explores the people, projects and policies shaping North Dakota's water future. Each episode, we will bring you stories from the field, updates on major initiatives, and conversations with the folks working behind the scenes to protect, manage, and develop one of our state's most vital resources: water. Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Listen To From The Headwaters Podcast Now.

The Missouri River Potential Intake Locations Investigation Report (PDF) is a comprehensive desktop analysis which analyzed various criteria to determine suitable surface water and subsurface intake sites from the Montana state line to Washburn, ND. The goal of the investigation was to identify sites where an intake with a capacity of at least 15,000 acre-feet per year could be constructed to expand existing industry, attract new industrial opportunities to the state, and serve additional irrigation and municipal water supply.

The Current is a quarterly Department of Water Resources newsletter that provides the latest agency-specific information concerning water development, regulatory and appropriation efforts, water education, policy changes, Water Commission meeting highlights, and much more. We hope you find the content interesting, useful, and insightful.

September - The Current

The DWR has a variety of exciting job openings. Please review the job links below and consider submitting an application!

Natural Resource Economist

GIS Specialist III

Communications Manager