BISMARCK – The North Dakota Water Education Foundation invites the public to participate in its annual water tours this summer across North Dakota. These tours offer a firsthand look at North Dakota’s critical water issues and initiatives.

The tours begin Wednesday, June 4, in Williston with “Up for the Challenge.” In the last 15 years, the population in northwest North Dakota has increased by more than 57%. The tour will highlight how the Western Area Water Supply Authority is tapped to meet critical municipal, rural and industrial water needs. Additionally, tour participants will learn how Mountrail-Williams Electric Cooperative seeks to improve the quality of life in its service area. The Links of North Dakota and Little Egypt park are tasked with meeting recreational needs. Tour participants will also learn how irrigation impacts agriculture in the region at the Nesson Valley Irrigation Project.

Future tours include:

– The Future of Flood Protection, June 18 in Fargo.

– The Rising Impact of Water, July 10 in Devils Lake.

– Innovative Irrigation, July 15 in Oakes.

– Water, Wind and Weather Modification, July 30 in Bowman.

To register for a water tour, call the North Dakota Water Education Foundation at 223-8332 or email jellingson@ndwater.net.