N.D. Cent. Code § 61-04-23
Any appropriation of water must be for a beneficial use, and when the appropriator fails to apply it to the beneficial use cited in the permit or ceases to use it for the beneficial use cited in the permit for three successive years, unless the failure or cessation of use has been due to the unavailability of water, a justifiable inability to complete the works, or other good and sufficient cause, the department of water resources may cancel the water permit or right. For purposes of this chapter, an incorporated municipality or rural water system has good and sufficient cause excusing the failure to use a water permit, if the water permit reasonably may be necessary for the future water requirements of the municipality or the rural water system. The department of water resources, as often as necessary, shall examine the condition of all works constructed or partially constructed within the state and compile information concerning the condition of every water permit or right and all ditches and other works constructed or partially constructed under the permit or right.
N.D.C.C. § 61-04-23