ND HB1390

Water resource district managers must attend a water management course within three months of starting their term and every three years thereafter during their service.

Subsurface water management systems covering 80 acres or more require a permit from the water resource district board; systems under 80 acres do not require a permit.

Water resource district boards must notify downstream landowners within one mile of a proposed drainage system and may charge permit applicants up to $150; permits are deemed approved if the board fails to deny within 60 days of receipt.

Boards may deny permits only if technical evidence shows the system will flood or unreasonably harm downstream landowners, and applicants may appeal denials to district court under existing statute 28-34-01.

Installing a subsurface water management system requiring a permit without obtaining one first is an infraction and makes the person liable for all damages caused by the system.