Unless the context otherwise requires, the following definitions apply:

1. "Artificial watercourse" means a watercourse that was formed by artificial construction but maintained by natural causes, such as a natural watercourse that is straightened but still receives the same contributing runoff prior to its straightening.

2. "Natural watercourse", except as used in North Dakota Century Code section 61-32-03.1, means a watercourse that was formed and maintained by natural causes.

3. "Watercourse" is defined in North Dakota Century Code section 61-01-06. Other terms that are synonymous with watercourse are river, stream, creek, or channel. Watercourses may be natural or artificial.

History: Effective July 1, 2024; amended effective April 1, 2026.

General Authority: NDCC 61-03-13

Law Implemented: NDCC 61-01-06