Watford City Area Water Tour – Industry Growth Fueled by Water
In the last 15 years, the population in northwest North Dakota has increased by more than 57%, and meeting the needs of a growing population is paramount. The tour will highlight how the Western Area Water Supply Authority (WAWS) is tapped to meet critical municipal, rural, and industrial water needs. Learn about the region’s growth impacts from the Keene Fire Department. Visit Meadowlark Acres, a local farm-to-table produce farm. Find out how irrigation enhances agriculture in western North Dakota. This tour begins and ends in Watford City.
The public is invited to attend the tour, which costs $40 per person, and includes transportation, informational materials, meals, refreshments and a one-year digital subscription to the North Dakota Water magazine.
Registration is required for this tour. This tour is full at this time. To be added to a waiting list, please contact Julie Ellingson at 701-223-8332. For questions or to register, contact Julie Ellingson or call 701-223-8332.
July 16 – Watford City Tour Agenda
The North Dakota Water Education Foundation would like to thank this year’s tour sponsors. Their support is key to the success of the entire tour program.
2026 Water Tour Sponsors:
*Bartlett & West
*AE2S
*Apex Engineering Group, Inc.
*Cavendish Farms
*Chevron Corporation
*Devils Lake Basin Joint Water Resource Board
*Garrison Diversion Conservancy District
*Houston Engineering, Inc.
*Moore Engineering, Inc.
*N.D. Department of Water Resources
*N.D. Natural Resources Trust
*N.D. Water Resource Districts Association
*Southwest Water Authority
*Western Area Water Supply Authority
*N.D. Game & Fish Department
*Ackerman-Estvold
*Basin Electric Power Cooperative
*HDR
*BARR Engineering Co.
*Image Printing, Inc.
*Minnesota Valley Irrigation-Bismarck
*N.D. Rural Water Systems Association