Bill > HB1544

This bill amends North Dakota's drainage permit regulations to add more comprehensive requirements for landowners seeking to drain water bodies or install subsurface water management systems. The bill requires landowners to obtain a drainage permit before draining ponds, sloughs, lakes, or sheetwater (shallow water that temporarily floods land) with a watershed area of 80 acres or more, and also mandates a permit if drainage will flow directly onto another landowner's property without their consent. For smaller subsurface water management systems, the bill introduces a new notification process that requires landowners to inform downstream landowners about their drainage plans via certified mail. Downstream landowners then have 60 days to object, which could trigger a formal permit review process. The bill aims to prevent potential flooding or adverse effects on neighboring properties by requiring investigations into drainage impacts and mandating flowage easements if downstream lands might be negatively affected. Additionally, the bill establishes penalties for non-compliance, including potential infractions and liability for damages caused by unauthorized drainage. These changes are designed to provide greater oversight and communication between landowners when modifying water drainage systems, particularly in agricultural areas.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://ndlegis.gov/assembly/69-2025/regular/bill-overview/bo1544.html