According to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service’s Census of Agriculture, less than 1% of cropland in North Dakota was irrigated in 2022. This was the lowest among the ten states entirely or partially covered by the Missouri River Basin and below the U.S. average for irrigated cropland, which is 14.4%. To identify the locations and areas of North Dakota croplands that have potential for future irrigation development, NDSU conducted a statewide irrigation reconnaissance study through a cooperative effort with the ND Irrigation Association, DWR, and Garrison Diversion Conservancy District.

2025 North Dakota Statewide Irrigation Reconnaissance Study

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 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hereby gives final notice to the public of its intent to review and approve community-wide basement exceptions under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that allow for residential basement construction below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE) in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). These approvals will be conducted in accordance with Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations (C.F.R.) § 60.6.

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