On September 18, 2025, the North Dakota Legislature convened the Water Topics Overview Committee to discuss critical water management issues affecting the state. The meeting highlighted the importance of water resources in North Dakota, emphasizing that every legislative district is impacted by water-related matters. The committee aims to foster open dialogue among its diverse members, which is seen as essential for addressing the state's water needs and expectations.

Dustin, a committee member, presented an overview of the committee's operational rules, which govern how meetings are conducted. Key points included the requirement for members to attend meetings in person unless prior approval for remote attendance is granted. The committee also emphasized the importance of transparency in voting, mandating roll call votes for all decisions.

The committee's statutory responsibilities were outlined, including its role in overseeing water topics, the Garrison Diversion Project, and collaboration with the state water commission. Notably, recent legislative changes have expanded the committee's duties. Under House Bill 1020, the committee is now required to review and prioritize water project requests exceeding $10 million before they are submitted to the state water commission or the legislative assembly. This new responsibility aims to ensure that significant water projects receive thorough evaluation and recommendation before legislative consideration.

The committee's ongoing work is crucial, as it is expected to meet quarterly and may convene during the legislative session to address urgent water project requests. This proactive approach underscores the state's commitment to effective water management and resource allocation, reflecting the growing importance of water issues in North Dakota's legislative agenda.

As the committee continues its work, it will play a vital role in shaping water policy and ensuring that the state's water resources are managed effectively to meet the needs of its residents. The next steps will involve reviewing project requests and preparing reports for the Appropriations Committees, ensuring that legislative decisions are informed by comprehensive evaluations of water projects.