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 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. The following documents include recommended modifications related to the SWC’s Cost-Share Program for public comment.

Proposed Cost-Share Program Modification Options (PDF)

Proposed Policy Definitions (PDF)

Proposed SWC Prioritization Guidance Modifications (PDF)

The deadline for public comments is July 29, 2026. Comments can be sent to email. Please note – all proposed program modifications will also be presented for public comment during eight SWC-hosted basin meetings in June and July.

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)

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (Department) has received an emergency drain permit application to drain water from Fenster Lake in Ramsey County to Devils Lake.

In accordance with N.D.A.C. § 89-02-05.1-06, the Department will host a public meeting regarding the application on June 11, 2026 at 9:00 AM. The meeting will be available both in person in Devils Lake and virtually.

Meeting Agenda (Secretary Of State Website)

Application Files

DWR and the State Water Commission have scheduled their Commissioner-hosted basin meetings for the 2026 summer season. These meetings provide an opportunity for local stakeholders, water managers, and members of the public to hear updates on water development activities and share input on water issues within their basin. Meeting dates and locations have been finalized and are available on our website in the Upcoming Meetings page.

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.

Director Reice Haase responds to recent claims characterizing Missouri River water use as a “water war” and outlines North Dakota’s position on state sovereignty and responsible water management. He highlights the state’s historic sacrifices and the minimal share of river water North Dakota actually uses. The piece calls for renewed basin-wide cooperation and a collaborative path forward for all Missouri River states.

Opinion: The Missouri River Is a Shared Resource, Not a Battleground

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 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.

April - The Current