North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality

North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality Conserving and protecting North Dakota's air, land and water resources

Our vision is for a sustainable, high quality environment for current and future generations. Our mission is to conserve and protect the quality of North Dakota’s air, land and water resources following science and the law. In cooperation with the public, industry and government at all levels, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality implements protective programs and standards to help maintain and improve environmental quality.

Happy Global Wind Day! ☁️Wind energy is a renewable resource that helps generate electricity without producing air emiss...
06/15/2026

Happy Global Wind Day! ☁️

Wind energy is a renewable resource that helps generate electricity without producing air emissions during operation. Across North Dakota and around the world, wind power contributes to a diverse energy landscape and supports efforts toward a more sustainable future.

Today, we recognize the role of wind energy in powering homes, businesses, and communities while highlighting the importance of renewable energy innovation.

Your voice matters 📢Public comments play an important role in environmental decision-making and can help improve permits...
06/12/2026

Your voice matters 📢

Public comments play an important role in environmental decision-making and can help improve permits, rules, and regulations. The most effective comments are specific, relevant to the proposal, and provide information, expertise, or solutions that can help inform the decision-making process.

Swipe through for tips on submitting effective comments and avoiding common mistakes.

Learn more about public participation opportunities at deq.nd.gov.

06/12/2026

Come spend a day with me as a Communications Intern at NDDEQ!

From morning planning to creating content and everything in between, here's a look at what a typical day in the office looks like.

No two days are exactly the same, but my work often includes brainstorming ideas, creating social media content, attending meetings, and helping share information about environmental programs and initiatives across North Dakota. It's been a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in communications while learning more about the work NDDEQ does every day.

Thanks for following along!

Did you know composting helps reduce waste sent to landfills while creating nutrient-rich material for gardens and lands...
06/11/2026

Did you know composting helps reduce waste sent to landfills while creating nutrient-rich material for gardens and landscapes? From fruit and vegetable scraps to yard waste, composting is a simple way to give organic materials a second life.

Benefits of composting:
✅ Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
✅ Enriches soil naturally
✅ Improves moisture retention and drought resilience
✅ Helps keep valuable resources out of landfills

This summer, consider starting a compost pile or bin and help turn waste into a resource. Small changes can make a big difference for the environment.

Wildfire smoke can affect North Dakota’s air quality, even when fires are hundreds of miles away. Smoke can travel long ...
06/10/2026

Wildfire smoke can affect North Dakota’s air quality, even when fires are hundreds of miles away. Smoke can travel long distances and lead to hazy skies, reduced visibility, and elevated levels of fine particles in the air.

The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality monitors air quality conditions across the state and shares updates when smoke may impact outdoor activities. Poor air quality can affect anyone, but children, older adults, and people with asthma, heart disease, or other respiratory conditions may be especially sensitive to smoke exposure.

Before heading outdoors, check the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map for real-time air quality conditions and wildfire smoke impacts in your area: https://fire.airnow.gov/ #7.21/46.825/-100.768

Stay informed and help protect your health during wildfire season. 🔥

Providing safe drinking water takes more than turning on the tap. Water treatment plant inspections help review operatio...
06/08/2026

Providing safe drinking water takes more than turning on the tap. Water treatment plant inspections help review operations, inspect equipment, evaluate treatment processes, and ensure systems are functioning as intended. These inspections also give operators and inspectors an opportunity to discuss challenges, maintenance needs, and ways to keep systems running efficiently. 🔍

➡️ Swipe through for a behind-the-scenes look at the work that helps support safe, reliable drinking water in communities across North Dakota.

Aquatic invasive species can spread when water, mud, or plants are transported from one water body to another on boats, ...
06/05/2026

Aquatic invasive species can spread when water, mud, or plants are transported from one water body to another on boats, trailers, and equipment.

Before leaving the water, remember to Clean, Drain, and Dry:
🧽 Clean off aquatic plants, animals, and mud from equipment.
💧 Drain all water from boats, motors, live wells, and other equipment.
☀️ Dry equipment completely before using it in another waterbody.

Taking a few extra minutes helps protect North Dakota's lakes, rivers, and aquatic ecosystems from invasive species.

Before drinking water reaches your tap, samples are collected and analyzed by certified laboratories. Testing helps wate...
06/02/2026

Before drinking water reaches your tap, samples are collected and analyzed by certified laboratories. Testing helps water professionals monitor water quality, verify treatment effectiveness, identify potential concerns early, and ensure compliance with state and federal standards. 🧪💧

Years of testing data helps tell the story of a community's water system and supports safe, reliable drinking water for everyone.

Learn more about drinking water testing through the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

Heading to the water this weekend?  Before you or your pets dive in, remember: Know it. Avoid it. Report it. Blue-green ...
05/22/2026

Heading to the water this weekend? Before you or your pets dive in, remember: Know it. Avoid it. Report it. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can bloom quickly in warm weather, and some blooms can produce toxins that are harmful to humans, dogs, and livestock.

SWIPE through to learn what to look for, how to stay safe, and who to call if you spot a suspected bloom. 👇

🟢 Know it: It can look like spilled green paint, green pea soup, scum, or floating mats.
🟢 Avoid it: When in doubt, stay out! Keep kids and pets away from suspicious water.
🟢 Rinse off: If accidental contact happens, rinse with fresh water immediately.
🟢 Report it: Help us keep our waters safe by reporting blooms to the NDDEQ.

Save this post for quick reference and have a safe weekend! ☀️

05/22/2026

State agencies will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day.

Address

4201 Normandy Street
Bismarck, ND
58503

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+17013285150

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