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 Missouri River Potential Intake Locations Investigation Report is a comprehensive desktop analysis which analyzed various criteria to determine suitable surface water and subsurface intake sites from the Montana state line to Washburn, ND. The goal of the investigation was to identify sites where an intake with a capacity of at least 15,000 acre-feet per year could be constructed to expand existing industry, attract new industrial opportunities to the state, and serve additional irrigation and municipal water supply.

The Department of Water Resources is seeking public input on proposed changes to N.D. Admin. Code chapters 89-01-0, 89-03-01, 89-03-02, 89-07-02, 89-10-01, 89-11-01, 89-15-01, and article 90 until 5pm on September 12, 2025.

General Department Full Notice Of Intent To Adopt, Amend, & Repeal Administrative Rules

Administrative Code: General Department Updates

The Department of Water Resources is seeking public input on proposed changes to N.D. Admin. Code chapters 89-01-0, 89-03-01, 89-03-02, 89-07-02, 89-10-01, 89-11-01, 89-15-01, and article 90 until 5pm on September 12, 2025.

Regulatory Process Full Notice Of Intent To Adopt, Amend, & Repeal Administrative Rules

Administrative Code: Regulatory Processes Updates

Regulatory Process Proposed Changes Flow Charts

The information available through the Water Development Plan Dashboard provides North Dakota’s broad spectrum of water stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Water Resources (DWR), and State Water Commission (SWC) members with the most up-to-date project information available to plan for, and support our state’s highest water development priorities.

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

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

Sovereign Land Specialist