New Irrigated Acres in the MNNRD
Each April, the Board of Directors has the opportunity to decide if they will accept new irrigated acre applications and other high-capacity water use applications in the upcoming year. Per District rules and regulations, the Board can vote to allow for the acceptance of UP TO anywhere between 0 - 3,000 new irrigated acres for the coming year. The Board reviews historical static water level data, irrigation water usage reports, monitoring well changes to irrigation pumping, seasonal draw downs and recharge, irrigation demand, drought status, stream flows, and other factors to see if the water resources of the District can sustainably handle more high-capacity water wells. Applications will go through a ranking and review process before they will be considered before the full board on or prior to the October Board Meeting. Applications must meet a minimum score to be eligible for approval. If approved, projects must be fully completed within one year of the approval date. If you are serious about an application, please contact a well driller and get a test hole(s) done to see about your lands water availability and hydrologic properties. Please see the rules document below for the remainder of the requirements.
The MNNRD Board of Directors voted at the April 13th, 2026 board meeting to accept applications for up to 3,000 new irrigated acres or high capacity uses for 2026. Applications will be accepted from August 3rd - 28th, 2026 at the MNNRD office in Valentine. Applications must come with a $1,000 non-refundable fee and must be received in the office no earlier than August 3rd and no later than 5:00 PM CST on August 28th.
Rules and Regulations are in the link below or available at the MNNRD Office. Call 402-376-3241 and ask for Kyle or stop into the MNNRD office for more information.