Natural Resources

Water and Irrigation

There is no need to worry about having enough water for business development in North Dakota.   The state has ample water in rivers, natural underground aquifers and lakes such as Sakakawea, America’s largest man-made reservoir.  Many of these surface and ground water supplies are undeveloped and ready for use by new and existing businesses.

Click here for an Aquifers Map

Your industrial demands for water can be met on factors of quality and quantity.  In addition, North Dakota is home to Garrison Dam which produces in excess of 2.4 million megawatt hours of hydroelectric power annually.

The continuing development of North Dakota’s agriculture and corresponding food processing industry has had a direct effect on our irrigation acres.

The number of irrigated acres in North Dakota has grown from about 190,000 acres in 1990 to over 245,000 acres in 2002.  While this is a significant increase, it only scratches the surface of our irrigation potential.

Click here for Estimated Irrigated Acres by County Map


For additional information about North Dakota’s natural resources or to have one of our business development consultants answer specific questions regarding your project, contact us at 1-866-4dakota or 701-328-5300.

Related Links:

North Dakota State Water Commission