Last Updated 08/14/2026
North Dakota Stormwater Laws and Regulations
The state operates under the North Dakota General Permit for Storm Water Discharges from Small MS4s Program, regulated through the NPDES general permit with the North Dakota Department of Health. There is no state level guidance manual, and the state has no numerical standards for post-construction, however the individual MS4s must meet a maintenance and good housekeeping requirement, and “develop, implement, and document procedures to ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of BMPs, including procedures to enforce the requirements for other parties to maintain BMPs as appropriate.” Stormwater permits are required outside of MS4 areas in certain cases, including construction sites, and industrial facilities. There are no fees for state level stormwater permits.
Current MS4 permitees include the cities of: Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Lincoln, Mandan, Minot, West Fargo, and Williston. MS4 regulated counties are Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, and Morton.
View State Page
Frequently Asked Questions
Who regulates post-construction stormwater in North Dakota?
The North Dakota Department of Health issues the statewide general permit, but day to day post-construction requirements are set and enforced by individual Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems, or MS4s, meaning the city or county where the property is located.
Does the State of North Dakota have specific numeric requirements for stormwater control measures?
No. There is no state level guidance manual and no state level numerical standards for post-construction stormwater management. Property owners need to look to their local MS4’s ordinance, such as those in Bismarck or Fargo, for specific inspection frequencies, sizing criteria, and maintenance thresholds.
What does a Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System have to do under North Dakota's general permit?
Each MS4 must meet a maintenance and good housekeeping requirement, develop, implement, and document procedures to ensure adequate long-term operation and maintenance of best management practices, and enforce maintenance requirements on other parties as appropriate within its jurisdiction.
Which cities and counties in North Dakota are regulated as MS4s?
Ten cities are designated MS4s: Bismarck, Dickinson, Fargo, Grand Forks, Jamestown, Lincoln, Mandan, Minot, West Fargo, and Williston. Four counties are also designated MS4s: Burleigh, Cass, Grand Forks, and Morton.
If I'm in an MS4 city, do state or local rules apply to my property?
Both, but the local ordinance is where the operational detail lives. The state permit sets the overarching framework, while the MS4 city or county, such as Bismarck’s Title 14.1 or Fargo’s Chapter 37, sets the specific permitting, maintenance, and inspection requirements property owners actually have to follow.
How can AQUALIS help with stormwater compliance in North Dakota?
AQUALIS helps property owners determine which MS4’s requirements apply to their site, since North Dakota itself doesn’t set the operational standards, and provides the inspections, maintenance, documentation, and permitting support needed to meet whichever local ordinance governs the property, whether that’s Bismarck, Fargo, or another MS4 jurisdiction.
The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Regulations change frequently — AQUALIS makes no warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of this content, and any reliance on it is at your own risk. Consult a qualified professional or your local regulatory authority to confirm requirements applicable to your specific property.
