Welcome to From the Headwaters, a podcast from the North Dakota Department of Water Resources. We are excited to have you with us as we explore the people, projects and policies shaping North Dakota's water future. Here at From the Headwaters, we'll bring you stories from the field, updates on major initiatives, and conversations with the folks working behind the scenes to protect, manage, and develop one of our state's most vital resources: water.
The State Water Commission recently approved an additional $2 million for the Drought Disaster Livestock Water Supply Project Assistance Program, bringing total funding to $4 million. Gov. Armstrong also expanded the program to make it available to producers in all 53 North Dakota counties.
The strong demand for the program demonstrates just how serious current drought conditions are for North Dakota's livestock producers.
Listen to the latest episode to learn more about the program, how it works and what producers need to know.
11 Aug 2026
Commissioner Jeff Frith of the Devils Lake Basin
Commissioner Jeff Frith, who represents the Devils Lake Basin on the State Water Commissionjoins us to talk about his recent Basin Meeting, what he heard from community members, the water issues and opportunities that matter most in the Devils Lake Basin, and what he's looking forward to as we continue working toward a resilient water future for North Dakota.
Give it a listen and hear directly from Commissioner Frith about the future of water in his region and across our state.
6 Jul 2026
Commissioner Jay Volk Basin Meeting Recap
Our summer Commissioner podcast series continues!
In the latest episode of From the Headwaters, we're joined by State Water Commissioner Jay Volk to look back on the recent Lower Missouri Basin Meeting, discuss some of the conversations and priorities that came out of the meeting, and hear his perspective on what's ahead for water in the region.
Tune in to the latest episode, and stay with us throughout the summer as we continue our conversations with State Water Commission members from across North Dakota!
22 Jun 2026
Commissioner Odermann Basin Meeting Preview
Our summer series of conversations with State Water Commission members continues with Commissioner James Odermann, who represents the Little Missouri, Upper Heart, and Upper Cannonball Basins.
In this episode, Commissioner Odermann discusses water priorities in western North Dakota, the importance of local input, and what attendees can expect at his upcoming Basin Meeting.
Listen now, and if you're in the area, be sure to join the conversation at the Commissioner-Hosted Basin Meeting this week!
15 Jun 2026
Commissioner Zimmerman Basin Meeting Preview
We're kicking off our Commissioner-Hosted Basin Meeting podcast series with Commissioner Jason Zimmerman of Minot, who represents the Mouse River Basin on the State Water Commission.
Join us as we discuss water priorities in the basin, upcoming opportunities for public involvement, and what Commissioner Zimmerman is looking forward to at his Basin Meeting.
Stay tuned as we continue our conversations with commissioners from across North Dakota throughout the summer!
8 Jun 2026
Special Edition: Bring Your Kids to Work Day
What happens when you hand a microphone to kids and let them interview their parents... and then let the parents interview them back? A lot of laughs, some surprisingly thoughtful answers, and a whole lot of fun!
7 May 2026
Missouri River Joint Water Board's EAE Program with Wade Bachmeier and Ken Royse
In this episode, we sit down with Wade Bachmeier and Ken Royse to talk about the Missouri River Joint Water Board's EAE Program — Educate, Advocate, and Engage — and the important work being done to support the future of Missouri River water management in North Dakota.
19 Mar 2026
Lance Yohe, U.S. Commissioner for the International Joint Commission
We are joined by Lance Yohe, the U.S. Commissioner for the International Joint Commission. Lance has spent more than 25 years working on cross-border water issues in the Red River Basin and across the U.S.–Canada border.
In our conversation, we talk about the role of the International Joint Commission, how it helps the United States and Canada work together on shared water challenges, and some of the projects the commission is currently focused on.
22 Jan 2026
120 Years of the Office of the State Engineer: Part II
Part II continues the roundtable discussion marking 120 years of the Office of the State Engineer, focusing on Devils Lake and other major challenges that tested leadership, shaped policy, and changed the future of water management in North Dakota.
5 Dec 2025
Four State Engineers Walk Into a Room: Part 1
To celebrate 120 years of the Office of the State Engineer, we brought together several former State Engineers — and the current one — for an unscripted conversation about the work, the people, and the moments that shaped the agency. Part 1 covers everything from rural water expansion to major floods, funding changes, and how the role has evolved over time.
26 Sept 2025
A Conversation with State Water Commissioner James Odermann
In this episode, we sit down with James Odermann, who was appointed to the North Dakota State Water Commission by Governor Doug Burgum in 2021. From the history of the Southwest Pipeline Project to the future of water management in North Dakota, James shares insights shaped by decades of local experience and public service.
Recorded earlier this summer, this extended conversation dives into how water has defined communities in the state’s western region and what challenges lie ahead as we balance supply, quality, and growth.
30 Jun 2025
From the Headwaters: Interview with DWR Director Reice Haase
Director Reice Haase of the Department of Water Resources discusses North Dakota's water infrastructure improvements and long-term water planning initiatives in an interview.
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