Navigating Scarcity in a Land of Hidden Water
Water defines the past, present, and future of the Northern Plains—a region that is simultaneously arid and dotted with millions of glacially-formed wetlands. The Water Policy and Research Program at the North Dakota Institute of Vast Spaces tackles the complex, often contentious, hydrology of the region. Our work spans from molecule-level studies of groundwater chemistry to basin-scale modeling and high-stakes policy mediation. We operate with the understanding that in a vast landscape, water connects everything, and its management demands systems thinking and inclusive dialogue.
Understanding the Hydrological Cycle at Scale
Our scientific research focuses on the unique hydrological features of the plains. We conduct intensive studies on the Prairie Pothole Region, the 'duck factory of North America,' modeling how these small, dynamic wetlands interact with groundwater and respond to climate change. We map and monitor the great aquifers, like the Fox Hills-Hell Creek, using seismic data and well logs to understand recharge rates and the impacts of agricultural and energy extraction. A key project involves 'isotope hydrology,' tracing the unique chemical signature of water molecules to determine their age (sometimes thousands of years old) and source, which is critical for adjudicating water rights.
- Agricultural Water Efficiency: Partnering with farmers to test irrigation scheduling tools and drought-resistant crop systems.
- Wetland Restoration Hydrology: Designing restoration projects that mimic natural hydrology to maximize ecological function.
- Energy-Water Nexus: Researching the water footprint of oil and gas development and technologies for recycling produced water.
- Flood-Drought Forecasting: Developing improved models to predict the region's pendulum swings between extreme water events.
From Data to Dialogue: Informing Equitable Policy
Science alone cannot solve water conflicts. Our policy team acts as honest brokers, translating complex research into accessible information for lawmakers, tribal councils, county commissions, and the public. We facilitate stakeholder forums that bring together irrigators, municipal water managers, conservationists, and industry representatives to discuss basin-wide management plans. We are particularly focused on equity, ensuring that the water rights and cultural values of Tribal Nations are centered in policy discussions. We also develop legal and economic analyses of tools like water markets or conservation easements.
The challenges are immense: overallocated aquifers, pollution from non-point source agricultural runoff, the threat of inter-basin water transfers, and the intensifying hydrologic cycle due to climate change. Our program's strength is its ability to work at all levels simultaneously—from the microbe in a pothole to the state senate floor. We advocate for policies that recognize water as a common good, essential for all life and economies in the region. This work is often difficult and slow, but it is essential. By providing rigorous, independent science and fostering respectful dialogue, the Institute helps navigate a path toward a water-secure future for the vast spaces. We aim to ensure that the lifeblood of the plains continues to flow for ecosystems, farms, communities, and generations to come, demonstrating that wise water stewardship is the ultimate act of respect for a vast and thirsty land.