N.D. Cent. Code § 61-01-27: Procedure for converting mineral wells to water wells

In order to protect the public's health, safety, and welfare and to protect this state's ground water supplies, and except for purposes related to chapters 38-08 and 38-08.1, no well that has been drilled for the purpose of the exploration or production of oil or gas may be converted to a water well without first obtaining approval from the industrial commission. Any person who converts an exploration or production well to a water well without first obtaining approval from the industrial commission is guilty of a class A misdemeanor and shall be required to close the well in accordance with state standards and bear all costs associated with the closure.