The Current May

Reice Haase, Director - Water Resources

A Letter From The Director

As I begin my tenure as the next Director of the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR), I want to express my gratitude to Governor Kelly Armstrong for the opportunity to serve in this role. It’s a privilege to work alongside a team of dedicated professionals who are passionate about the management of one of our state’s most vital resources. DWR’s mission is clear: to responsibly manage North Dakota’s water needs and risks for the people’s benefit. I’m excited to continue building on the strong foundation laid out by DWR staff and my predecessor, Dr. Andrea Travnicek.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to engage on a wide range of water issues, both in the United States and in Canada. I’ve learned that water policy is rarely simple. It requires a thoughtful approach – grounded in sound science, strong partnerships, and trust. I strive to bring that mindset to this role and am honored to continue this important work on behalf of our great state.

Water touches every part of life in North Dakota—from supporting family farms and growing communities to strengthening our economy and providing unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities. Thanks to the revenues from our strong oil and gas industry and the foresight of our state’s leaders, we have a generational opportunity to invest in water infrastructure that will leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren.

With the new administration and following the recently concluded legislative session, DWR is focused on advancing priorities that strengthen North Dakota’s water infrastructure, streamline permitting, and support sound, data-driven decisions. This session, we proposed a new approach to cash management and water project funding, which better aligns our funding disbursements and reserve planning to match the multi-biennial nature of water project delivery. This has unlocked hundreds of millions of dollars that we can now put to work this biennium for the citizens of North Dakota.

As we move into this next chapter of water resource management in North Dakota, I look forward to working with you. I am committed to listening to our water stakeholders, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the critical projects that support North Dakota’s future. Thank you for the work you do, and for your continued partnership in managing one of our state’s most precious natural resources.

Andrew Nygren, Division Director

Appropriation Division

In this third installment of our Department of Water Resources division spotlight, we’re featuring the Water Appropriation Division—where I have the honor of serving as Division Director. Our team of 22 works together across four sections to make sure North Dakota’s water resources are managed responsibly. According to Article XI of the North Dakota Constitution, all water in the state is held by the public, but anyone can apply to use it for beneficial purposes, through a permitting process outlined in Chapter 61-04 of the North Dakota Century Code. We’re not just about permits and regulations, though—we’re also involved in a variety of recent and ongoing special projects that help us better understand and manage our water resources.

The Water Permit Administration team helps keep the water permitting process running smoothly, led by Michaela Halvorson, alongside Chris Colby, Kati Arneson, Lora Bertch, and Devin Schwindt. A big part of what we do involves the water permit perfection process – inspections from the field, creating reports, and checking that permits are meeting their requirements. When needed, we also draft recommendations to ensure compliance. And when a water permit, or a portion of a water permit, is no longer being put to beneficial use per North Dakota Century Code §§ 61-04-14 and 61-04-23, our team handles the review and prep work regarding the cancellation. We’re also responsible for managing the water use program. That includes collecting each permit’s water use, following up if use is missing or late, manage late fees, and issue the necessary compliance work to keep the permit in check. Additionally, we manage the telemetry and water depot databases, making sure permitholders are connected prior to the withdrawal of water for industrial water depot purposes. Beyond that, we help applicants navigate new conditional permits and amendments. We’re often their point of contact, helping them through the application process and answering questions along the way.

The Ground Water Management Team is led by Kimberly Fischer and includes a team of dedicated Groundwater Hydrologists—Bassel Timani, Sid Abudureyimu, Chioma Onwumelu, Saber Aradpour, Margaret Windingstad, and Collins Asante-Sasu—each responsible for managing groundwater resources in different regions of North Dakota. Groundwater modeling and special projects are overseen by Jun (Jay) Yang. This team plays a critical role in sustainably managing the state's groundwater resources to meet North Dakota’s water needs while minimizing risks to existing users. Project hydrologists provide expert recommendations to the State Engineer and Director on water permit applications and proposed changes to existing permits, ensuring that new appropriations do not adversely affect established water rights. In addition to regulatory responsibilities, hydrologists serve as key public contacts for questions regarding groundwater resources in their assigned areas. They oversee the collection and analysis of groundwater data, identify data gaps, and coordinate the installation of observation wells. They also offer technical expertise on groundwater challenges and design and analyze aquifer tests to support sound water management decisions.

The Surface Water Management Team oversees all surface waterbodies in North Dakota and is led by Joe Nett. The team includes hydrologists Bryce Klasen, Sam DeVries, Bosten Bartholomay, and Lucas Roy. While each member manages a specific region, they collaborate to ensure effective, statewide water resource management. Using data collection, analysis, and visualization, the team supports the sustainable and beneficial use of surface waters for all North Dakotans. Their responsibilities range from evaluating conditional and temporary water permits to handling administrative tasks such as reviewing requests for extended use dates, increased withdrawal rates, and changes to points of diversion. During the open water season, they partner with the DWR’s Data & Technology Team to deploy Pushing REmote SENSors (PRESENS) across the state for data collection used in permit evaluations and to protect senior water rights. Additionally, in collaboration with the DWR’s Water Development Team, they are installing stilling wells statewide to enable year-round surface water monitoring.

The Sub-Surface Exploration Team supports the Ground-Water Management Team in overseeing the state’s groundwater resources by constructing monitoring wells at selected depths in aquifers throughout the State. Data collected from monitoring wells are used to create and build groundwater models that are used in decision-making for consideration of approving water permits. The Sub-Surface Exploration Team is led by Rex Honeyman. The team includes Dan Bahm, Rotary Drill Operator, and a new Driller’s Assistant, who will be joining the team this month.

The Division has completed Phase I of a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) study, which produced a comprehensive report and an interactive map outlining criteria used to rank aquifers based on their potential for managed recharge. Phase II of the study is currently underway and involves the development of transient groundwater flow models for the Elk Valley, Spiritwood-Warwick, and Wahpeton Buried Valley aquifers. The goal of this phase is to evaluate the effectiveness of MAR as a strategy to enhance groundwater sustainability, create opportunities for additional water appropriation, and store water for future use.

Over the past decade, the Department has completed multiple Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) data collects across various regions of the state. These data collects involve a helicopter towing a large, hoop-shaped antenna approximately 100 feet above the ground. The antenna transmits and receives electromagnetic signals to image and characterize the geology beneath the surface. Phase 6 of the project, completed in 2024, focused on two study areas: one covering parts of Kidder and Stutsman counties, and another spanning portions of Cass, Richland, Ransom, and Sargent counties. The resulting data provided detailed imagery and insights into subsurface materials to help in the mapping of buried glacial aquifers that serve as significant sources of groundwater.

The team wrapped up the Western State Water Survey in October. This survey was distributed across 17 of the western US states which gathered responses from 33 individuals across 28 agencies. Key findings included common challenges in quality control for automated data, inconsistent data collection methods, and limited adoption of AI and machine learning. Soil moisture monitoring is widely practiced but lacks coordination, which could benefit multiple sectors if improved. Recommendations include exploring telemetry technologies to improve water use accuracy and adopting AI tools for data quality control. The report also suggests the formation of a multi-agency working group in North Dakota to coordinate data collection and identify gaps. Centralizing water data through a shared network is another priority, making information easier to access and use. Finally, ongoing review of resource needs is necessary to maintain and expand the state’s water data infrastructure.

State Water Commission Approves Over $50 Million For 34 Water Projects Across North Dakota

The North Dakota State Water Commission (SWC) approved more than $50 million in cost-share funding for 34 water infrastructure projects statewide during its February and April 2025 meetings. These investments aim to enhance municipal and rural water supply systems, improve flood control measures, and support dam safety and rehabilitation efforts.

At its April 10 meeting, chaired by Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, the Commission approved approximately $34.3 million for 23 projects.

General Water Management:

Ward County Water Resource District (WRD) – Low Head Dams Remediation – $153,750
City of Mayville – Dam 2 Reconstruction Project – $259,460

Water Supply:

City of New Town – Sand Hill Water Tower Replacement Project – $153,000
Western Area Water Supply Authority (WAWSA) – Williston Regional Water Treatment Plant Improvements - $926,679
WAWSA – McKenzie County WRD System 4 Part 4 – $300,000
WAWSA – Northwest Rural Water District - East Williston County Road 9 Expansion – $5,952,752
City of Mandan – 2025 Reconstruction – $4,539,708
City of Mandan – Water Treatment Plant Phase 3 – $6,290,034
City of Mandan – Memorial Highway Water Main – $883,674
City of Dickinson – Dickinson High School Watermain Extension – $236,691
City of Dickinson – Sims Street Improvements (2nd St E to 9th St E) – $959,736
City of Dickinson – 2025 Watermain Replacement Project – $1,918,834
City of Bismarck – Regional Food-Grade CO2 Storage Facility – $1,821,984
City of Bismarck - HC 165 Watermain Expansion – $1,066,092
City of Bismarck - WU 146 Watermain Replacement – $1,736,939
City of Bismarck - WU 147 Watermain Rehabilitation – $1,137,406
City of Jamestown – Lime Sludge Filter Press & Recycle – $574,350
City of Napoleon – 2025 Water Extension Project – $515,691
City of West Fargo – Westwood Addition Reconstruction – $850,206
City of Williston – Sloulin Drive Improvement Project – $489,282
Agassiz Water Users District – 2022 Expansion Phase 2 – $98,659
Northwest Area Water Supply – Intake & Snake Creek Pumping Plant - $1,310,000

Flood Protection:

City of Minot – Mouse River Flood Project Loan – $41 million (Note: loan not part of the cost-share approval total)

In February, the Commission approved funding for 11 projects totaling over $19.5 million.

General Water:

Logan County – Irrigation District Feasibility Study: $150,000

Water Supply:

City of Bowman – New Water Storage Reservoir: $132,000
City of Medora – New Water Storage: $63,000
All Seasons Water Users – Bottineau County Expansion: $180,000
South Central Rural Water – Service To Napoleon: $289.500
City of Beach – Water Distribution Improvements: $3,160,110
City of New Town – Water Distribution Improvements Phase II: $2,125,637
WAWSA – McKenzie County Water Resource District Phase II Transmission: $3,343,802
Fort Berthold Rural Water – Four Bears Water Treatment Plant, Intake, and Raw Water Line: $2,763,820
Greater Ramsey Rural Water District – 2024 User Expansion: $7,183,572

Flood Protection:

City of Grand Forks – South End Interior Flood Planning: $179,062

Since the beginning of the 2023–2025 biennium funding cycle, the North Dakota State Water Commission has approved approximately $571 million for water supply, flood protection, and other critical water management projects across the state.

DWR Identifies Three Aquifers To Study For Managed Aquifer Recharge

Following the completion of an extensive statewide assessment on Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) potential in the state, the North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR) has selected three aquifers with excellent MAR potential for further study.

MAR involves capturing excess surface water flows from rivers and streams (often in the spring) and storing the water in aquifers for later use.

DWR has contracted with INTERA, a leader in water resource management, planning, and development to create advanced numerical groundwater models for the three selected aquifers. These models will be used to simulate various scenarios, such as drought conditions or increased water withdrawals, to predict their effects on water levels and availability.

“As North Dakota faces increasing demand for water, the DWR is taking proactive steps to study these key aquifers and develop solutions to ensure they remain viable, particularly during periods of drought,” DWR Director Reice Haase said. “The extensive data we collected using technologies like Airborne Electromagnetic Surveys has allowed us to make informed decisions about where to further study MAR.”

The Aquifers in Focus

Elk Valley Aquifer – Grand Forks County - Spanning approximately 200 square miles, the Elk Valley aquifer is a crucial water source for both irrigation and public supplies. Despite its importance, there exists concern about its sustainability during a prolonged drought. The study will assess the aquifer’s resilience, address the 48 deferred water permit applications, and potential use of MAR to enhance its resilience and sustainability.
Spiritwood-Warwick Aquifer – Benson/Pierce Counties - This aquifer is part of a larger groundwater system extending from Canada to South Dakota and has experienced water level decline due to increased rural water use. The study will assess how much additional water can be safely withdrawn without jeopardizing existing users, and examine potential use of MAR.
Wahpeton Buried Valley Aquifer – Eastern Richland County - The Wahpeton Buried Valley aquifer has experienced nearly 50 years of declining water levels. Major water users—including the City of Wahpeton and industrial facilities—rely on this aquifer. The study will evaluate the present level of development, potential increased development to meet potential growing water demands (especially under future drought conditions), and the use of MAR.

These studies aim to strike a balance between current and potential additional water usage and long-term sustainability. This will include evaluating deferred water permit applications to determine which applications can be approved without adversely impacting water availability. The results of these studies will also help inform when and how MAR can be implemented to ensure agricultural, municipal, and industrial water needs are met in the years to come.

“North Dakota’s water resources are essential to the state’s growth and prosperity, and the proactive steps we’re taking today will ensure these critical aquifers continue to support our communities and economy in the future,” Haase said.

After completing the statewide assessment on MAR potential in the state, the DWR created an interactive map online that allows users to select aquifers across the state and learn about its potential for recharge, volume, square miles, and other scientific data.

Link To Learn More On What Is Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR)

Thank You & Best Wishes, Andrea!

From July 2021 to January 2025, Andrea Travnicek served as the first Director of the Department of Water Resources (DWR), and during that same time, served as Secretary to the State Water Commission (SWC). During her time with the DWR and SWC, there were many accomplishments that are worth highlighting. Here are some, but not all, of the most significant achievements during Andrea’s time with the agency.

With the passage of HB 1353 in 2021, Andrea was appointed by Governor Doug Burgum as the first Director of the DWR – also serving as Secretary to the State Water Commission (SWC) in that role.
She led DWR through the transition of combining the State Water Commission and Office of the State Engineer into a single entity, and initiated development of a new 5-year strategic plan to guide the new agency.
With a commitment to making the DWR approachable, responsive, open, and transparent – the agency greatly increased speaking engagements, conference participation, stakeholder meetings, and partnerships with other state, federal, and international organizations, as well as with Tribal Nations.
Andrea was also invited to testify in front of United States Senate and House Committees in 2023 – advocating for the importance of drought resiliency infrastructure in North Dakota, including a sustainable solution to ongoing challenges with the Snake Creek Embankment.
Under Andrea’s direction, DWR developed new educational campaigns related to aquifers, cloud seeding, and watersheds; and launched a new permit status dashboard.
Andrea advocated for the hiring of a Policy Director to develop consistency across agency policies and track and respond to state and federal legislation; and as Secretary to the SWC, she oversaw a large-scale Cost-share Program policy modernization effort.
A Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) study was completed in spring 2024 that will assist with identifying priority areas for MAR – potentially one-day mitigating water availability in key areas in the state. DWR also expanded the PRESENS (Pushing REmote SENSors) system and Airborne Electromagnetic Survey efforts under Andrea’s leadership.
In another effort to enhance North Dakota’s options for water availability, Andrea moved forward with a study to identify locations for intakes along the Missouri River, North Dakota’s most reliable surface water supply. The purpose is to identify sites that can be used to expand existing industry, attract new industrial opportunities, or to support municipal and irrigation uses.
Five DWR Red Tape reduction bills were passed in 2023, and then four others during the 2025 session – all supporting greater government efficiency.
Oversaw state commitments of $826M for the advancement of water supply infrastructure projects, involving dozens of municipal, rural, and large-scale regional water supply systems that will benefit hundreds of thousands of water users across North Dakota.
For DWR-owned Northwest Area Water Supply and Southwest Pipeline Projects specifically - infrastructure necessary to serve over 150,000 people are now in development or have been completed because of Andrea’s ongoing support of those projects.
In other general water management and flood protection efforts, Andrea oversaw state commitments of $716M for the advancement of infrastructure that will one day protect over 270,000 people, or 34% of North Dakota’s population from flood-related impacts.
Andrea also worked to improve team member engagement and internal communication efforts by soliciting feedback through surveys and increasing internal transparency through Town Hall meetings and weekly updates.

On behalf of the entire DWR team, we want to thank Andrea for her leadership during her time with the DWR, and we wish her all the best in whatever her future may hold.

The Different Roles Of The DWR & Water Resource Districts (WRD)

(VIDEO LINK) The different roles of the DWR and Water Resource Districts (WRD)

Learn more about the different roles that the DWR and Water Resource Districts play in managing North Dakota's water resources.

While both entities collaborate to ensure sound water management, their main differences lie in scope and authority. The DWR handles statewide water policy, regulation, and large-scale project funding, while WRDs focus on local implementation, project management, and landowner coordination. This structure allows for a balance between state oversight and local control, ensuring that North Dakota’s water resources are managed effectively at both levels.

State Agencies Encourage Best-Practice Procedures for Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention

The North Dakota Department of Water Resources (DWR), in collaboration with the North Dakota Game and Fish Department (NDGFD), encourages residents and tourists to help monitor, control, and prevent the spread of Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) and help preserve the state’s beloved waters. Water-based activities are enjoyed by many during both the warm and cold weather months throughout North Dakota, so year-round vigilance remains important.

Over the past decade, North Dakota has seen a dramatic rise in ANS. Many nuisance species are not native to our ecosystems and introducing them causes environmental affects, economic impacts, and public health concerns. ANS can cause harm to established habitats, endanger recreational fisheries, destroy infrastructure, and negatively impact communities that rely on lakes and rivers for their water supplies.

“The Department of Water Resources’ vision is to sustainably manage and develop North Dakota’s water resources for the health, safety, and prosperity of its people, businesses, agriculture, energy, industry, recreation, and natural resources.,” said Reice Haase, DWR Director. “It is imperative to advocate and support this vision and generate community empowerment in the control of nuisance species and aid in preventing further spread.”

If precautions are taken and individuals demonstrate compliance, the spread can be controlled. By following NDGFD guidance, we can help safeguard a reliable water supply, entrust our communities to take action, and limit the harsh repercussions of invasive species.

The public should incorporate best practice recommendations concerning watercraft cleaning guidance including: Clean, Drain, and Dry all equipment, every time you use it. Clean and remove all plants or animals from your watercraft or equipment prior to leaving any recreational area you are using. Drain and remove water from all equipment prior to exiting designated access points. Not draining water can be extremely hazardous and may cause negligent transportation of ANS to various locations. Afterwards, verify that all equipment is completely dry before utilizing it again.

The Department of Water Resources, North Dakota Game and Fish Department, and Governor Armstrong acknowledge May 4 – May 10, 2025, as Aquatic Nuisance Species Awareness Week. We encourage the public to please help monitor, control, and prevent the spread of nuisance species in North Dakota.

For more information, please visit https://gf.nd.gov/ans.

DWR In The News

Michael Bell Interview With Reice

Dakota Mornings With Michael Bell 4/16/25

Welcome The DWR’s New Director, Reice Haase!

Reice Haase, DWR Director

Originally from Williston, ND, Reice brings a wealth of experience in both the private and public sectors. After earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 2011, he spent the first part of his career working as a regulatory consultant and environmental scientist for oil and gas clients. In 2018, he was appointed by former Governor Doug Burgum as his Senior Policy Advisor, where he managed a diverse portfolio that included water, agriculture, energy, natural resources, and tribal affairs. His leadership continued in 2022 when the Industrial Commission appointed him Deputy Director, a role he held until December 2024.

Outside of work, Reice enjoys spending quality time with his wife, Kylie, and their two children, John (9) and Fiona (7). The family lives in Mandan, where they are active in a variety of activities, including homeschooling and extracurriculars like piano, violin, dance, and scouting. Reice also volunteers as a Cub Scout den leader, further deepening his connection to his community. They share their home with a playful Chocolate Labrador named Colt, who’s always ready for an adventure.

A true outdoor enthusiast, Reice is passionate about camping, hiking, fishing, and hunting. In fact, he and his family took an unforgettable road trip to Alaska in 2023, where they camped along the Arctic Ocean. When not outdoors, he enjoys reading, especially about history, and playing chess with his son. As a family, they cherish their time together in nature and look forward to the next camping season, even during the cold North Dakota winters when cabin fever strikes.

Reice is dedicated to his work and community, balancing his professional roles with an active family life and a deep love for the great outdoors.

Collins Asante-Sasu, Hydrogeologist

Collins Asante-Sasu

Welcome to Collins Asante-Sasu, who is joining our groundwater team as a Hydrogeologist. His work includes applying advanced datasets and techniques to support sustainable groundwater management decisions, particularly in the area of groundwater appropriation. Collins also analyzes groundwater data to ensure the efficient and responsible management of the state’s water resources.

Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Collins graduated from St. Peters High School before earning a bachelor’s degree in Agriculture Engineering, followed by a master’s degree in water resources engineering from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. He then went on to complete a Doctorate in Engineering Science at Washington State University in Pullman, WA.

Before joining DWR, Collins worked as a Principal Technical Officer at the Water Research Institute in Ghana. In this role, he led various projects focused on the collection and analysis of hydro-meteorological data, including river discharge measurements, sediment sampling, and climate data analysis. His hands-on experience with these projects provided a solid foundation in water resources management and the critical importance of data-driven decision-making.

At DWR, Collins looks forward to expanding his expertise by working with the talented team of professionals here and learning how to use the latest tools and technologies in water resources management. He is excited to further his skills in making informed decisions that will support the sustainable use and conservation of water resources.

Outside of work, Collins is married to Roberta Koku. He enjoys spending his free time watching movies, listening to music, and playing sports like soccer and basketball. These activities help him stay energized and balanced, both physically and mentally.

Welcome to DWR, Collins!

Lucus Roy, Surface Water Hydrologist

Lucas Roy

Please welcome Lucas Roy, who has joined the team as a Surface Water Hydrologist in the Water Appropriation Division. In his new role, Lucas will be reviewing temporary and conditional water permits, as well as conducting hydrologic analyses to ensure that water resources are allocated in a sustainable manner. He is excited to be a part of the DWR community, gain a deeper understanding of water rights, and enjoy fieldwork during the upcoming season.

Lucas grew up near San Francisco and earned his undergraduate degree in Watershed Science, along with a minor in GIS, from Colorado State University. After graduating in May, he worked with the Forest Service in Boise, Idaho, as a Hydrologic Technician. During his time there, he conducted ground cover surveys, helped build beaver dam analogs, served as a resource advisor on wildfires, and contributed to Burned Area Emergency Response teams.

Outside of work, Lucas enjoys traveling, backpacking into remote wilderness areas, sampling great food, and spending time with family and friends. He is also an avid night sky photographer, with notable captures of both the aurora borealis and aurora australis.

Congrats McCoy!

McCoy Pinkham, Engineering Technician III

We are excited to announce that McCoy Pinkham has taken on a new role as an Engineering Technician III with the Data & Technology Services team. Over the last year, McCoy has been working as an Engineering Technician III with the Construction Crew. Congratulations, McCoy!

The Current A Newsletter from the Department of Water Resources - May 2025