Each biennium, Water Commission members host public meetings within their representative basins per NDCC 61-02-01.3. The basin meetings provide a great opportunity for local water project sponsors and water management stakeholders to discuss a variety of topics. Stakeholders are encouraged to attend a meeting in their basin(s) of interest but are welcome to attend any of their choice.

2022 Commissioner-Hosted Basin Meeting Schedule

The DWR will be hosting an educational workshop for dam owners on “The Need-to-Know Basics of Owning a Dam” on June 29, 2022. The workshop will be in a virtual format using the Zoom meeting platform. The virtual workshop is free, but all attendees must pre-register. For more information or to register, please click here to visit the Association of State Dam Safety Officials registration site. Registration is limited to the first 100 attendees.

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.

May - The Current

Local sponsors who will be seeking cost-share assistance from DWR for water projects in the 2023-2025 biennium, or beyond 2025, should complete and submit a Project Information and Planning Form. Please note, one form should be completed for every project submitted. Each project submitted will then be reviewed by DWR staff and Water Commissioners for possible inclusion in the 2023 Water Development Plan.

The planning process and planning form submittal is the first step in obtaining cost-share assistance, but is not considered a formal request for cost-share. For assistance with the form, contact Patrick Fridgen in the DWR Planning & Education Division at (701) 328-4964 or e-mail.

The Probable Maximum Precipitation (PMP) is an integral part of hydrology, hydraulics, and dam safety in North Dakota. It relies on up-to-date meteorological data and processes to ensure the best estimate of a natural maximum rainfall. In June 2021, the DWR completed an update of statewide PMP data through a two-year PMP study conducted by Applied Weather Associates (AWA). Additionally, the DWR continues to develop updated dam design guidelines for North Dakota. While these design guidelines are still in development, the selection and usage of PMP values in the design of dams will be governed by interim guidance.

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

Engineer Manager
Hydrogeologist

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.

N.D.A.C., Section 89-11 provides the Department of Water Resources the ability to provide cost-share assistance to livestock producers with water supply shortages caused by drought.

Eligible livestock producers in drought proclamation counties may qualify for up to $4,500 in cost-share assistance, for up to three projects, on the following items:

• New water wells,
• New rural water system connections,
• New pipeline extensions, pasture taps, and associated works,
• Contract labor, materials, and equipment rentals for work completed by the producer to develop new water supply projects.

For additional program details and application forms click here.

June 7, 2022 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.(CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol

August 11, 2022 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.(CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol

October 13, 2022 / 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.(CT)
Pioneer Room, 1st Floor, Judicial Wing, State Capitol

December 9, 2022 / 9:00 a.m. to Noon(CT)
Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck, ND

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 Cheryl Fitzgerald 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.

July 14, 2022

September 15, 2022

November 10, 2022

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