North Dakota DEQ Water Quality Priorities Survey

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Published January 20th, 2026

Detected March 17th, 2026

Summary

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality is seeking public input on water quality priorities for the next ten years. Residents are encouraged to complete a survey to help inform the state's strategy for addressing issues like bacteria, nutrients, and sediment in surface waters.

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What changed

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a notice encouraging public participation in a survey to identify water quality priorities for the period 2022-2032. The survey aims to gather input on concerns related to bacteria, nutrients, and sediment in surface waters, which impact recreation and other beneficial uses. This initiative is part of the DEQ's regular update cycle for its list of priority water bodies.

Regulated entities and the public are encouraged to complete the survey by visiting the provided URL or scanning a QR code. While this is a notice for public input and does not impose new regulatory obligations, participation can influence future DEQ planning and water quality assessment strategies. There are no specific compliance deadlines or penalties associated with this survey, but it represents an opportunity to shape environmental policy.

What to do next

Review the DEQ's water quality priorities survey and consider participation.
Note the DEQ's ongoing efforts to update water body priorities every two years.

Source document (simplified)

NEWS | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | Jan. 20, 2026 Public encouraged to participate in water quality priorities survey BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality requests public input on your water quality concerns. The Watershed Management Program has developed a ten-year Prioritization Strategy (2022-2032) for addressing surface water quality issues such as excess bacteria (E. coli), nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorus), and sediment that may impact recreation and other beneficial uses of lakes and streams. The Department of Environmental Quality updates a list of priority waterbodies to help structure planning and water quality assessments every two years. North Dakotans know their watersheds best. The Department of Environmental Quality wants to know: What are your water quality priorities? What water bodies do you want to see improved or protected? What concerns do you have for future water quality and watershed health where you live, work, and play? Help North Dakota plan for the next two years by completing a short survey at https://tinyurl.com/NDDEQ-WaterSurvey or scan the QR code with your mobile device: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ For more information contact: Meridith Miller or Joshua Wert Division of Water Quality 4201 Normandy Street | Bismarck, ND 58503-1324 | PHONE: 701-328-5210 | EMAIL: DEQ-TMDL@nd.gov | www.deq.nd.gov