Dakota Water Resources Act Amendments of 2026

Key Points

• This bill would authorize over $1.4 billion in federal spending to complete major water supply projects across North Dakota, covering municipal, rural, industrial, and Tribal water systems. The funding targets projects that have been planned for years but lack the money to be finished.
• About $743 million is earmarked for five Tribal water systems on reservations including Spirit Lake, Three Affiliated Tribes, Standing Rock, Turtle Mountain, and Lake Traverse. The largest single Tribal allocation is $275 million for the Three Affiliated Tribes Rural Water System within the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation.
• The bill authorizes $404 million for the Eastern North Dakota Alternate Water Supply Project and $120 million for the Northwest Area Water Supply Biota Water Treatment Plant and Pump Station. Both projects aim to move Missouri River water to areas facing chronic water shortages.
• An additional $50 million goes toward the Southwest Pipeline Project and $63 million for North Dakota rural water districts, including treatment plant expansions and rural distribution expansion to reach more homes and businesses.
• All authorized dollar amounts are indexed to construction cost changes, so the funding can adjust upward if building costs rise before the projects are completed. The bill also allows up to 50% of funding to be transferred between projects if needs shift.