The DWR Bismarck office is now located at 1200 Memorial Highway, Bismarck (Bank of North Dakota Building). To make an appointment to meet with a team member, or if you have questions, please call (701) 328-2750.

The increased spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) in the region and the recent discovery of Zebra Mussels in ND waters prompted the DWR to undertake a study to evaluate the potential impact to water infrastructure within the state in response to the spread. This study looks specifically at the industrial infrastructure impacts to the state by region.

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.

June - The Current

DWR has provided comments to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) regarding the USACE’s Dam Safety Modification Study for the Snake Creek Embankment. To view the comment letter, click here.

For the first time, the Water Development Plan is presented in a web-based Dashboard for North Dakota’s broad spectrum of water stakeholders. The goal of the new Dashboard is to provide a platform that can be updated as conditions change over time - including the most up-to-date information on the over $1.7B in identified water infrastructure needs, current and projected revenues, purpose funding recommendations, and more!

Check out the 2023-2025 Water Development Plan and Dashboard here.

DWR developed a new 5 Year Strategic Plan to guide the deployment of resources toward key objectives, goals, and tactics that will remain a focus through June 2027. The new plan is also intended to help create awareness among the public and stakeholders about agency priorities.

Executive Summary

5 Year Strategic Plan

Check out the new DWR ND Water Availability Potential For Economic Development map! The purpose of this map is to provide a starting point for future water users who are considering North Dakota to site large-scale industrial or agricultural processing facilities.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is now using North Dakota’s WebGrants online application system for Cost-Share Program applications. The funding opportunity within WebGrants is called FIND. Under FIND, applicants can also be considered for funding/loan opportunities through the Bank of North Dakota (BND), Public Finance Authority (PFA), and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).

To learn more about applying through WebGrants and FIND, check out this tutorial video developed by DWR, BND, PFA, and DEQ.

Cost-Share Program

October 12, 2023 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (CT)
(Completed Applications Due August 28, 2023)
City Council Chambers | Grand Forks, ND
(The Water Commission will also be at the Grand Forks Regional Water Treatment Plant from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. for a tour and ribbon cutting.)

December 8, 2023 / 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CT)
(Completed Applications Due October 24, 2023)
#238 Lewis and Clark Room, Bank of North Dakota

Reminder – Only complete applications received at least 45 days before a Water Commission meeting will be considered at that meeting. All other applications will be held for consideration at a future meeting unless specifically exempted by the Director.

For information, please contact Shana Brost at (701) 328-4940 or by e-mail.

All meetings will be held via phone, and begin at 1:00 p.m. CT.
Call-in information will be provided when agendas are posted.

November 9, 2023

For information, please contact Shana Brost at (701) 328-4940 or by e-mail.

Supreme Court's Sackett Ruling Will Free States To Deliver Clean Drinking Water

November 2, 2023 / 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (CT)
Meeting Location TBD

For information, please contact Kelli Schroeder at (701) 328-2789 or by e-mail.

Supreme Court's Sackett Ruling Will Free States To Deliver Clean Drinking Water