In March of 2017, while evaluating temporary water permits for points of diversion in the Little Missouri River basin, a question of consideration of N.D.C.C. §61-29-06 was raised. Upon consideration of the express prohibition of industrial diversions of water within the basin, all applications for water permits were placed on hold. Further enquiries indicated that provisions of the statute had never, from the time of passage of the law, reached or been applied in the permitting of water, which is governed under provisions of N.D.C.C. ch. 61-04, and Article 89-03 of North Dakota Administrative Code. Reasons for the disconnect are complex, speculative, and beyond the purpose of this report.

August 23, 2017 - 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
North Dakota State Water Commission's Lower Level Conference Room

October 12, 2017 – 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
North Dakota State Water Commission's Lower Level Conference Room

December 8, 2017 – 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Ramkota Hotel, Bismarck

For information, please contact the Water Commission at (701) 328-2750 or by e-mail.

The Current is a quarterly Water Commission and Office of the State Engineer newsletter that provides the latest agency-specific information concerning water development, regulatory and appropriation efforts, water education, policy changes, Commission meeting highlights, and much more.

We hope you find the content useful and helpful.

This brochure addresses frequently asked questions about Sovereign Lands. North Dakota’s Sovereign Lands are those areas, including the beds and islands, lying within the ordinary high watermark of navigable lakes and streams. Sovereign Lands are publically-owned lands that are managed for the benefit of the citizens of the state.

Closed Basin & Lake Flooding has been developed to address a unique issue to some North Dakotans. The publication is intended to educate the public about what closed basins are and flooding risks that can be associated with them. Topics that it covers include; the challenges to managing closed basin flooding, understanding risks, and ground/surface water exchange. It also contains information regarding NFIP and closed basin flooding.

You can download the brochure by clicking the image on the left, or paper copies can be requested by calling (701) 328-4989 or e-mail.

The State Water Commission has completed the 2017-2019 North Dakota Water Development Report, which serves as an update to the 2015 State Water Plan. You can download the report by clicking the image on the left, or paper copies can be requested by calling (701) 328-4989 or e-mail.

The 2017-2019 North Dakota State Water Commission and Office of the State Engineer Strategic Plan has been completed and is available for download by clicking the image on the left. Paper copies can be requested by calling (701) 328-4989 or e-mail.