In a pivotal meeting held on September 18, 2025, the Water Topics Overview Committee of the North Dakota Legislature gathered to discuss significant water governance and finance studies that could reshape the state's water management landscape. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as committee members reviewed feedback from a broad stakeholder group, which will inform the next phase of their work.

One of the key projects discussed was the regional governance and finance study mandated by House Bill 1020. The committee, recognizing the urgency of the task, sought and received an exemption from the full procurement process, allowing them to expedite their efforts. They opted for an abbreviated procurement process, resulting in the selection of Deloitte as the consultant for the study, with a budget of $420,000. The study aims to analyze the governance structures and financial mechanisms of North Dakota's large regional water systems, with a draft report expected by March 2026.

During the meeting, concerns were raised regarding the potential biases in stakeholder interviews, as many participants are already involved in the current systems. Committee members emphasized the importance of obtaining unbiased insights and exploring alternatives that could enhance efficiency and accountability in water management. The discussions highlighted a shared commitment to ensuring that the study's recommendations lead to actionable changes, addressing past failures to implement previous recommendations.

In addition to the governance study, the committee is also undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of the state's cost share policy, focusing on sustainability in light of changing water needs and revenue forecasts. Deloitte has been contracted for this study as well, with a similar timeline for delivering a draft report.

The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between legislators and the Department of Water Resources, aiming to address both current challenges and future needs in water management. As the committee moves forward, the outcomes of these studies could significantly influence the governance and funding of water resources in North Dakota, ensuring that the state is better equipped to manage its vital water systems in the years to come.