North Dakota Water Laws & Policies

North Dakota Administrative Code - Link to Title 89 "State Water Commission"


North Dakota Century Code - Link to Title 61 "Waters"


Cost-Share Policy, Procedure, and General Requirements - Download the Water Commission Cost-Share Policy, Procedure, and General Requirements in PDF form. The policies are for general purposes only, and may not reflect the most up-to-date information. Direct questions to (701) 328-4862.


Conflicts of Interest - Link to State Water Commission Conflict of Interest Policy


Fox Hills Policy - It is the policy of the Office of the State Engineer, in order to preserve a flowing pressure head in low-lying areas, to restrict industrial access to the Fox Hills-Hell Creek aquifer where other suitable sources are available. The restriction is not a moratorium on future Fox Hills water use, but takes into consideration the quantity of water needed and the proximity of flowing-head wells to the proposed water use.


Unauthorized Use Policy - Due to the increased scrutiny of industrial water sales and the findings of a legislatively mandated performance audit of the Water Appropriation Division, the State Engineer has directed that two primary philosophical goals guide the formation of the consent agreement.

Unauthorized Taking & Sale Of Waters of the State

Water Theft & Unauthorized Water Sales Brochure


Wastewater Reuse Policy