ND State Water Commission

The State Water Commission (SWC or Commission) consists of the Governor as chairman, the Commissioner of Agriculture as an ex-officio member, and eight members who are appointed by the Governor to serve terms of six years each. The terms of office for appointees are arranged such that two terms and not more than three terms shall expire on the first day of July of each odd numbered year. The Commission appoints a Secretary (the State Engineer) as its executive officer, who employs a staff as needed to carry out the work of the Commission.

The State Water Commission was created by legislative action in 1937, as a result of the drought of the 1930s, for the specific purpose of fostering and promoting water resources development throughout the state.

The State Water Commission is located primarily in the State Office Building near the State Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota. In addition, the Commission has field offices in Fargo and near Minnewaukan.

Water Commissioners are appointed in each of the eight major drainage basins. A map of the corresponding basins can be found here. Commission members are listed below, along with term expirations and contact information.