North Dakota’s climate is proving once again that precipitation is highly variable – even within the span of one year. Abnormally dry conditions returned to most of North Dakota in September. Parts of McKenzie, Williams, Mountrail and Richland Counties are experiencing moderate to severe drought conditions according to the U.S. Drought Monitor report issued on September 15. The return of dry weather comes on the heels of severe and extreme drought conditions across North Dakota in 2021. This was followed by an abundance of precipitation in early 2022 that caused flooding. In fact, the ground was too saturated until mid-June for pipeline construction of the Red River Valley Water Supply Project (RRVWSP) outside of Carrington, in Foster County. Due to the serious drought conditions that affected North Dakota in 2021 and the trend towards drought in late 2022, Garrison Diversion Conservancy District (Garrison Diversion) and Lake Agassiz Water Authority (LAWA) leaders hope to accelerate RRVWSP construction. “Getting the project done more quickly will allow the Red River Valley Water Supply Project to provide access to emergency and supplemental water supplies to about half of North Dakota’s population,” says Duane DeKrey, Garrison Diversion General Manager.
