The Missouri River Basin covers all or parts of ten U.S. states and two Canadian provinces. The river stretches more than 2,300 miles from central Montana to its confluence with the Mississippi River, making it the longest river in the United States.
The Missouri River reservoir system consists of six dams and reservoir projects. These projects were constructed by the federal government and are operated and maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Their purposes include flood control, water supply, recreation, irrigation, hydropower generation, water quality improvement, fish and wildlife management, and navigation. Development of the Missouri River has provided significant economic, environmental, and social benefits to North Dakota and other basin states.
For decades, the State of North Dakota has worked to protect and develop its interests in the Missouri River while recognizing that the state represents only a portion of the overall basin. North Dakota has supported cooperative, basin-wide efforts to balance the diverse interests of all stakeholders. At the same time, the state affirms its commitment to using the Missouri River for the benefit of its residents.
The Missouri River is North Dakota’s most valuable and readily available water source. It supports a wide range of beneficial uses, including irrigation, drinking water supplies, and industrial needs.
Additional Missouri River Basin information and supporting data are provided on the following pages:
- Missouri River Basin Maps
- Missouri River Basin Programs & Organizations
- Missouri River Basin Reports and Publications
- Missouri River Basin Water Data
- Missouri River Joint Water Board (MRJB)
Information
For more information on the Missouri River Basin, please contact the Missouri River Engineer at (701) 328-4753 or e-mail.