North Dakota Department of Water Resources

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) was created in 2021 by Legislative action. DWR was previously called the State Water Commission, which itself was created by Legislative action in 1937 for the specific purpose of fostering and promoting water resources development throughout the state.

DWR has the authority to investigate, plan, construct, and develop water-related projects, and serves as a mechanism to financially support those efforts throughout North Dakota. There are seven divisions that make up the DWR: Administration, Atmospheric Resources, Planning and Education, Regulatory, State Engineer, Water Appropriation, and Water Development. 

DWR is primarily located in the State Office Building near the State Capitol in Bismarck, North Dakota. In addition, DWR has field offices in Fargo, and near Minnewaukan.