The Department of Water Resources (DWR) developed groundwater flow models for the Elk Valley, Spiritwood-Warwick, and Wahpeton Buried Valley aquifer systems. The models evaluate current groundwater use, potential impacts of additional appropriations, and the potential for managed aquifer recharge to improve aquifer sustainability and provide additional water supply opportunities.

All available funding for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Assistance Program has been committed, and DWR is no longer accepting applications.

The program was reactivated on August 18, 2026, following Governor Kelly Armstrong's declaration of a drought emergency. The State Water Commission initially approved $2 million for eligible livestock water supply projects and increased the available funding to $4 million on August 26 in response to strong demand from producers across the state.

DWR appreciates the tremendous response to the program and the opportunity to work with more than 400 North Dakota livestock producers during this challenging drought. We will continue to monitor drought conditions throughout the winter and spring.

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources hosts multiple public meetings throughout the year. A complete list of scheduled meetings for this year include dates and agenda.

Floodway Development Review Standards have been released, which provide guidance to community floodplain administrators and engineering firms on complying with federal and state requirements for development within FEMA-mapped floodways.

To support implementation of the standards, DWR will offer two training sessions, available both in-person in Bismarck and virtually:

September 22, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Training for Engineers
Register for DWR Floodway Development Review Standards - Engineers

September 23, 2026
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Training for Community Floodplain Administrators
Register for the DWR Floodway Development Review Standards – Community Floodplain Administrators

Floodway Development Review Standards Policy

Section 22 of DWR’s budget bill (HB 1020) required the State Water Commission (SWC) to conduct a study of its Cost-Share Program and policies. In response, DWR and the SWC hired Deloitte as an impartial consultant to complete the evaluation. The overall purpose of the effort was “an evaluation of whether projected funding for water projects, in conjunction with the existing cost-share policy, will adequately address anticipated funding needs for water projects through July 1, 2039.” The study was also to consider the state’s role in financially supporting deferred maintenance and replacement projects, and to provide recommendations for any funding shortfalls identified.

Cost-Share Program Policy: Recommended Options To Consider Report (PDF)

Section 21 of DWR’s budget bill (HB 1020) required the State Water Commission (SWC) to analyze the current governance and financing approaches of the Southwest Pipeline Project, Northwest Area Water Supply, and Red River Valley Water Supply Project. The report provides recommended options to strengthen the long-term governance and finances of the three systems.

Regional Water Systems: Governance And Finance Study (PDF)

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.