30.03.020 Comprehensive Water Management Plan

(a) The TWRC will adopt, at least once every five (5) years, a comprehensive water management plan that will guide water resource decisions, permitting and management during the specified period. The Tribal Water Resource Commission, in conjunction with the Tribal Water Administrator, will develop and adopt guidelines and regulations for water resource use based upon Traditional Tribal teachings and an organized program of water management research.

(b) The Comprehensive Management Plan (CMP) will include, at a minimum, a basin by basin and sub- watershed wide description of the following:

(1) Surface and ground water users and usage, diversion points (see specific diversion points map, Appendix A), and water quality (see Appendix B studies); to be added

(2) A statement of the hydrologic condition of surface water resources (drought, surplus, normal; water quality, water balance) and alluvial ground water resources (overdraft conditions, steady-state, recharge water balance); Appendix C to be added

(3) A list of prioritized uses, developed in conjunction with water users in each sub-watershed, that will serve to guide allocation decisions during unusual hydrologic conditions;

(4) A statement of critical resource issues that affect overall resource uses within each sub-watershed and ground water system; Appendix D to be added

(5) Other information that the Commission deems necessary to inform the public and promote the use of Tribal water for the benefit of the Tribe.

(c) There is hereby established a permanent "Water Management Fund" that will be used by the TWRC and the TWA to conduct research, provide training, develop Tribal capabilities, develop monitoring systems, and develop projects that permit the development of CMP's and continued monitoring of Tribal water resources.

(d) The TWA will analyze investigative research that evaluates the impact of the proposed water use upon critical factors identified in the CMP, natural resource use criteria, hydrologic conditions, and prioritized water uses. The Commission will adopt criteria and guidelines to facilitate the TWA's research and the evaluation of water use. Also to recognize topographical gravel, especially graveled surfaces, as a cleaning process for the water as it runs out of the hills and recharges the Shell Valley Acquifer.

"Someday our water will be like gold!" – Lorne Jay, tribal councilman, at the open public meeting when the Tribe voted to ban hydraulic fracturing on the Turtle Mountain Reservation.