North Dakota Department of Water Resources

North Dakota Department of Water Resources The ND Department of Water Resources (DWR) is responsible for providing effective management of the state's water resources.

For more information about our commenting policy:
https://www.dwr.nd.gov/includes/disclaimer.html The primary responsibility of the Department of Water Resources is to provide effective management of North Dakota's water resources. and is governed by the following principles:

Vision
Present and future generations of North Dakotans will enjoy an adequate supply of good quality water for people, agriculture, industry, and fish and wildlife; Missouri River water will be put to beneficial use through its distribution across the state to meet ever increasing water supply and quality needs; and successful management and development of North Dakota's water resources will ensure health, safety, and prosperity, and balance the needs of generations to come. Mission
To improve the quality of life and strengthen the economy of North Dakota by managing the water resources of the state for the benefit of its people. Philosophy and Values
In the delivery of services to the citizens of North Dakota, we the employees of the Department of Water Resources value fairness, objectivity, accountability, responsiveness, and credibility. We pledge to use professional and scientific methods to maintain only the highest of standards in our delivery of services to our constituents. Agency Goals

1) To regulate the use of water resources for the future welfare and prosperity of the people of North Dakota.

2) To develop water resources for the future welfare and prosperity of the people of North Dakota.

3) To manage water resources for the future welfare and prosperity of the people of North Dakota.

4) To educate the public regarding the nature and occurrence of North Dakota's water resources.

5) To collect, manage, and distribute information to facilitate improved management of North Dakota's water resources.

6) To conduct research into the processes affecting the hydrologic cycle to improve the management of North Dakota's water resources. The North Dakota Department of Water Resources welcomes all people to view this page and content. The DWR has the right to delete any and all content and comments from this page.

💧 The Red River Water Festival, hosted by River Keepers, brought together approximately 1,500 fourth graders for a hands...
09/24/2026

💧 The Red River Water Festival, hosted by River Keepers, brought together approximately 1,500 fourth graders for a hands-on look at water resources, watersheds, and the Red River.

DWR had a great time working with students throughout the festival, helping them learn more about water through interactive activities and conversations. It’s always exciting to see their curiosity and enthusiasm! 🙌🏼

💧 MYTH vs. FACT 💧❌ MYTH: If I submit a water permit application, it is automatically approved.✅ FACT: Every water permit...
09/22/2026

💧 MYTH vs. FACT 💧

❌ MYTH: If I submit a water permit application, it is automatically approved.

✅ FACT: Every water permit application undergoes a thorough review. DWR evaluates whether the proposed use is beneficial, in the public interest, and whether it could negatively impact existing water rights.

Water permit decisions are based on protecting North Dakota's water resources while ensuring water remains available for current and future users.

📋 Submitting an application is the first step. Careful review helps ensure water is managed responsibly for everyone.

Director Reice Haase joined Dakota Mornings live from the Upper Missouri River Association Annual Meeting in Pierre, Sou...
09/21/2026

Director Reice Haase joined Dakota Mornings live from the Upper Missouri River Association Annual Meeting in Pierre, South Dakota, this morning.

The conversation focused on the importance of Missouri River states working together to responsibly manage this vital resource and find solutions that benefit communities across the basin.

As Director Haase put it: “The Missouri River is too important of a resource to be a battleground.” 💧

💧 DWR had the opportunity to present at this week’s Water Topics Overview Committee meeting, providing updates on water ...
09/18/2026

💧 DWR had the opportunity to present at this week’s Water Topics Overview Committee meeting, providing updates on water projects, cost-share policies, and other important water-related topics.

We appreciate the opportunity to share what we’re working on, hear feedback, and have candid conversations with committee members about the challenges and opportunities facing North Dakota’s water resources.

These conversations help us continue working toward a resilient water future for our state. 🙌🏼

🚢 Why have our monthly employee Town Hall inside when the Lewis & Clark Riverboat is right there?!We swapped the confere...
09/16/2026

🚢 Why have our monthly employee Town Hall inside when the Lewis & Clark Riverboat is right there?!

We swapped the conference room for the river this month, and it’s pretty hard to beat these views.

A great evening with the DWR team, a little sunshine, and plenty of good conversation. We might have to make this a tradition! 😎

💧 Water 101: What is CFS?If you’ve ever looked at a river gauge or water report, you’ve probably seen the term CFS. But ...
09/14/2026

💧 Water 101: What is CFS?

If you’ve ever looked at a river gauge or water report, you’ve probably seen the term CFS. But what does it actually mean?

CFS stands for cubic feet per second and is a measurement of how much water is flowing past a specific point each second.

What does 1 CFS look like? Think of a cube of water that is 1 foot wide, 1 foot long, and 1 foot tall flowing past a point every second. That’s about 7.5 gallons of water every second!

As CFS increases, so does the volume of water moving through a river or stream.

Now you know! 🤔

✨Throwback Thursday✨Braddock Dam, circa 1957. A little glimpse into North Dakota’s water infrastructure history, nearly ...
09/10/2026

✨Throwback Thursday✨

Braddock Dam, circa 1957. A little glimpse into North Dakota’s water infrastructure history, nearly 70 years later. 📸

DWR was at today’s Agriculture and Water Management Committee meeting!We appreciate the opportunity to share our work, a...
09/08/2026

DWR was at today’s Agriculture and Water Management Committee meeting!

We appreciate the opportunity to share our work, answer questions, and continue the conversation about North Dakota’s water future. 🌾💧

09/07/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Labor Day!

The DWR office will be closed today, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.

We hope everyone has a safe weekend! ☀️

🌟 Meet the Team 🌟👋 Hi, I’m Alexis, DWR’s Technical Review and Response Section Manager. I lead our technical review and ...
09/04/2026

🌟 Meet the Team 🌟

👋 Hi, I’m Alexis, DWR’s Technical Review and Response Section Manager. I lead our technical review and response functions, with a focus on hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and providing technical assistance during emergency water-related response efforts.

I got into civil engineering because I ❤️ water, math, and problem-solving. I eventually found my passion in open-water hydraulics. There are few things more satisfying than getting a model to reproduce what actually happened during a real-world event!

One of my favorite parts of working at DWR is the variety. No two days are the same. I enjoy being a resource for my colleagues and helping find solutions to technical challenges. I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done with spring flood response and helping improve our response procedures so our teams are prepared when we need to shift into 24/7 response mode.

🚣🏻‍♀️ Outside of work, I love traveling and exploring new places with my husband and our two energetic kiddos, especially if we can be outside and near the water.

👩🏻‍🌾 One hobby I’d love to master someday? Gardening. Somehow, growing my own food feels more intimidating than raising two young kids.

Our go-to restaurant used to be the Little Cottage. We went there every Sunday! But these days, it’s hard to beat the river views of The Paddle Trap.

Fun fact: I can turn just about anything into a spreadsheet. Trips, projects, research, comparisons... you name it, and I can probably find a reason to make a spreadsheet for it!

Address

1200 Memorial Highway
Bismarck, ND
58504

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(701) 328-2750

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