Water Development Plan & Dashboard
Water projects change over time. Existing projects may be updated, and new projects are regularly considered by local water managers. Because of this, the state collects and updates water project information every two years to align with the state’s budget cycle.
The Water Development Dashboard provides current project information for a wide range of users, including water stakeholders, elected officials, the Department of Water Resources (DWR), and State Water Commission (SWC) members. This information helps support planning and decision-making for North Dakota’s highest water development priorities.
Because projects, funding sources, policies, and laws can change, the dashboard is designed to be updated over time. The Water Development Dashboard was created to provide a reliable and ongoing source of current information.
- View the 2025–2027 Department of Water Resources project and purpose funding handout (PDF)
- View the Executive Summary of the 2025 Water Development Plan (PDF)
This page explains the Water Development Plan, including its goals, priorities, planning process, and legal authority. The plan provides a clear framework for managing, protecting, and developing water resources to meet both current and future needs.
This page provides information on water development funding on projects that may move forward and request state cost-share funding during the 2025–2027 biennium. The list reflects funding needs submitted by project sponsors and does not guarantee that all projects will receive funding or the amounts shown.
State cost-share amounts may change after further project review or if project details are updated. Any changes will follow agency cost-share policies and eligibility requirements.
This page provides handouts that summarize funding needs and awarded amounts for large water projects in North Dakota. The information is organized by project and reflects both requested funding and granted amounts.
Many of North Dakota’s largest water projects take more than one biennium to complete and require long-term planning. In addition, much of the state’s existing water infrastructure is aging and may be near or beyond its useful life.
These factors create increased financial challenges for both local and state governments. This page focuses on planning for future biennium funding commitments needed to develop, maintain, and sustain critical water infrastructure.
Learn how North Dakota funds water projects through the Cost-Share Program
North Dakota funds most water projects through the Department of Water Resources Cost-Share Program. This program provides financial assistance to local sponsors for projects such as municipal and rural water supply, flood protection, irrigation, dam safety, water conveyance, and state-owned improvements.
State funding is appropriated by the North Dakota Legislature and comes from the Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by 20.5 percent of the state’s oil extraction tax revenue. Cost-share funding requests are reviewed by the State Water Commission.
North Dakota funds the majority of its water projects through the Department of Water Resources (DWR). State funding that is provided through DWR for water development has historically come from several sources including the General Fund, Resources Trust Fund (RTF), and Water Development Trust Fund.