N.D. Cent. Code § 61-07-20: Provisions of title not to take away vested rights

None of the provisions of this title relating to irrigation works shall be deemed to authorize the district or any person to divert the waters of any river, creek, stream, canal, or ditch from its channel, whereby the vested rights of any person having any interest in such river, creek, stream, canal, or ditch, or the waters thereof, are invaded or interfered with unless previous compensation is ascertained and paid therefor, under the laws of this state authorizing the taking of private property for public use. However, if the district exercises the authority of eminent domain against any vested water rights of any person, the district shall be required to offer an alternative water supply of equal quantity and comparable quality, either through the district works or otherwise, to such person.