DWR and the State Water Commission have scheduled their Commissioner-hosted basin meetings for the 2026 summer season. These meetings provide an opportunity for local stakeholders, water managers, and members of the public to hear updates on water development activities and share input on water issues within their basin. Meeting dates and locations have been finalized and are available on our website in the Upcoming Meetings page.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the State Water Commission (SWC) have begun the process of developing the 2027–2029 Water Development Plan and are requesting project information from water project sponsors across North Dakota.

Cities, counties, Tribal Nations, Water Resource Districts, and other public sponsors are encouraged to submit information on new or existing water projects that may seek DWR/SWC cost-share in the future. Projects included in the Water Development Plan are prioritized for funding consideration.

Project submissions are due by April 30, 2026.

Project Information & Planning Form

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources hosts multiple public meetings throughout the year. A complete list of scheduled meetings for this year include dates and agenda.

Notice is given, that Weather Modification, LLC of 3802 20th Street North, Fargo, ND, a licensee (License No. 2026-1) of the State of North Dakota, is to engage in operations to modify precipitation by the addition of ice nucleating agents in Bowman County and seven townships in Slope County. Existing clouds will be selected for seeding according to current operational procedures for enhancing rainfall and decreasing hail damage. Ice nuclei will be generated by silver iodide produced in the combustion of flares or liquid solutions. Twin-engine aircraft equipped for instrument flight, operating under FAA airworthiness certificates and licensed by the North Dakota Aeronautics Commission will accomplish all seeding.

The target area will be Bowman County and the following townships in Slope County: Connor, Hume, Carroll, Cash, Sheets, Mineral Springs, and Cedar Creek. The operations area will include the target area and Woodberry township in Slope County, with no external buffer zones in adjacent North Dakota counties. Operations will be conducted as weather conditions allow from June 1, 2026, through August 31, 2026, with the possibility of extension through October 2, 2026.

All persons who would like to comment in support or opposition of the activities of this project should write the Chief Meteorologist, North Dakota Department of Water Resources, 1200 Memorial Highway, Bismarck, ND 58504-5262 or e-mail. Comments must be received within 20 days of the last date of publication of this notice.

Comment submission are due by March 26, 2026.

Director Reice Haase responds to recent claims characterizing Missouri River water use as a “water war” and outlines North Dakota’s position on state sovereignty and responsible water management. He highlights the state’s historic sacrifices and the minimal share of river water North Dakota actually uses. The piece calls for renewed basin-wide cooperation and a collaborative path forward for all Missouri River states.

Opinion: The Missouri River Is a Shared Resource, Not a Battleground

As a result of Senate Bill 2027, there are multiple requirements for communities participating in the NFIP. An ordinance update as well as the submission of a certification form to the DWR is now required. See the Senate Bill 2027 Resources page for more information.

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 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.

January - The Current