N.D. Cent. Code § 61-03-16: Suit for adjudication of water rights

Upon the completion of a hydrographic survey of any stream system, the department shall deliver a copy of the survey and all data necessary for the determination of all rights to the use of the waters of the system to the attorney general, who, within sixty days, shall enter suit on behalf of the state for the determination of all rights to the use of the water and proceed with the litigation until a final adjudication of the rights. If private parties initiated the suit, the attorney general shall intervene in the suit if the department notifies the attorney general intervening is necessary to protect the interests of the state.