To analyze the physiological functions of CLC-K1 in vivo, we generated mice lacking CLC-K1 by targeted gene disruption. Homozygous mutant Clcnk1–/– mice produced ∼5 times more urine than Clcnk1+/– and Clcnk1+/+ mice. After 24-hour water deprivation, Clcnk1–/– mice became severely dehydrated and lethargic. Intraperitoneal injection of the V2 agonist, deamino-Cys1, D-Arg8 vasopressin, induced an increase in urine osmolarity in Clcnk1+/– and Clcnk1+/+ mice from ∼1,000 to ∼3,000 mosm/kg H2O, whereas the increase in Clcnk1–/– mice was only from ∼600 to ∼840 mosm/kg H2O, indicating nephrogenic diabetes insipidus in Clcnk1–/– mice. These results clearly established that CLC-K1 plays a major role in the urinary-concentrating mechanisms.