Bill > SB2141

This bill amends North Dakota law to provide more flexibility for water permit holders who want to change the purpose of their water use. Specifically, the bill allows a water permit holder to modify the purpose of a conditional or perfected water permit without losing its original priority date, provided the change is approved by the state Department of Water Resources. The bill establishes two scenarios under which such a change can be approved: first, if the new use is considered a "superior use" according to existing water rights priority rules, and second, if the change is for livestock use or fish, wildlife, and recreation purposes for a reservoir that does not involve withdrawing water. The application for such a change must be processed in the same manner as a conditional water permit application, and the department can only approve the change if it will not negatively impact the water rights of other users. This modification aims to provide water permit holders with more options for utilizing their water resources while maintaining protections for existing water rights.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo2141.html