Reports and Publications
The Department of Water Resources Technical Reference Library features approximately 10,000 publications covering statewide water resource information, with some dating back to the early 1900s. Materials may be searched and viewed using the online catalog. For more information regarding a Department of Water Resources publication, you can contact the ND State Library reference desk at e-mail, or (701) 328-4622 or the Department of Water Resources at e-mail, or (701) 328-2760.
Reports & Studies
The Assessment of Managed Aquifer Recharge Potential for Aquifers in North Dakota includes project information, a Managed Aquifer Recharge Assessment Report (PDF), and an interactive map service. These resources were developed for the North Dakota Department of Water Resources to evaluate the feasibility of using Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) in North Dakota’s glacial drift aquifers to extend and enhance their resiliency.
The Department of Water Resources and the Office of the State Engineer have been publishing agency Biennial Reports since 1904. These reports highlight key events, accomplishments, and other pertinent activities of the agencies during each biennium.
Download the 2023-2025 Biennial Report (PDF). Browse archived Biennial Reports.
DWR developed a 5 Year Strategic Plan to guide the deployment of resources toward key objectives, goals, and tactics that will remain a focus through June 2027. The plan is also intended to help create awareness among the public and stakeholders about agency priorities.
Download the 2022 5 Year Strategic Plan (PDF). Browse archived Strategic Plans.
County Ground Water Studies program provides a general inventory of the state's ground water resources. These studies identify the location and extent of major aquifers, hydraulic properties, water chemistry, estimated well yields, and the occurrence and movement of ground water - including sources of recharge and discharge.
North Dakota Ground Water Studies is a collection of over 100 ground water studies from areas all over North Dakota, dating back to 1946, and continuing until the present day.
The North Dakota State Engineer and the North Dakota State Geologist were instructed by the (1991-1992) 52nd State Legislative Assembly to conduct site-suitability reviews of the solid waste landfill studies in the State of North Dakota.
Browse archived Landfill Studies.
Special studies outside of the scope of the North Dakota County Ground Water Studies and the North Dakota Ground Water Studies.
Preliminary Engineering Reports include dam, flood control, drain, irrigation, and other surface water-related studies, for specific locations.
A 2024 report of Multi-State Surface Water Management Practices Summary Report (PDF) and Appendices (PDF) across 21 states with similar hydrology and geography as North Dakota.
To learn more about Water Resource Management Strategies and Technologies throughout the 17 Western States (PDF), DWR engaged with other water resources agencies to complete a survey of data collection methodologies and practices that each state deploys for water resource monitoring and water use.
Western States Water Survey Report - Executive Summary (PDF)
The International Souris River Board (ISRB) assists the IJC in preventing and resolving disputes relating to the transboundary waters of the Souris River basin.
To view the current and past ISRB Reports, please visit the ISRB website.
Estimated Economic Cost Of Aquatic Nuisance Species (PDF) looks specifically at the industrial infrastructure impacts to the state by region.
Download the Surface Water Management In The Little Missouri River Scenic River Basin (PDF) report.
Practitioner's Field Guide (PDF) is a 12-page report by James T. Fay, P.E.
Newsletters & Articles
The Current is a newsletter providing the latest agency-specific information concerning water development, regulatory and appropriation efforts, water education, policy changes, Water Commission meeting highlights, and much more. The Current newsletter will be produced on a quarterly basis.
Read the January Current Newsletter.
The Department of Water Resources contributes two articles to the North Dakota Water Magazine, published by the North Dakota Water Education Foundation.
Information & Education Handouts
Facts About North Dakota Fracking & Water Use (PDF) provides an overview of water use and related technologies.
Office of the State Engineer (PDF)
As a result of HB 1353 passed during the 2021-2023 Legislative Session, the Office of the State Engineer no longer exists.