ND HB1440

Establishes legislative intent that potable water should be available in sufficient quality and quantity while requiring water service districts and city water systems to coordinate service plans and avoid competition and duplication of services.

Requires cities planning to expand water service through annexation to develop a city water service area plan and consult with affected water service providers before filing the plan with the state water commission.

Mandates that the state water commission require a water service agreement between affected districts and cities before providing grants or loans for water service projects in areas within a city's extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.

Establishes a 60-day negotiation period for districts and cities to execute a water service agreement after a city notifies the district of a developed plan, followed by mandatory mediation if agreement is not reached.

Allows either party to petition for an administrative law judge to determine water service agreement terms if mediation fails, with the judge considering ten specified factors including system capacity, growth patterns, infrastructure condition, and anticipated revenue impacts.