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I. Montana Water Use Act (Water Reservations)
Who May Apply
Any governmental entity may apply to reserve water for existing or future beneficial uses or to maintain a minimum flow, level, or quality of water. Any person or entity that needs water for a new or existing development within the boundaries of a conservation district that holds a water reservation may apply to use a portion of the conservation district's water reservation.
Activities Qualifying for Use of Reserved Water
All beneficial uses, including such activities related to agriculture as irrigation and stockwater. A water reservation is granted for specific uses. Contact your local conservation district to determine whether it has been granted a water reservation and whether your proposed use is authorized under that water reservation.
Purposes of the Law
• To provide water for existing and future beneficial uses of water.
• To maintain a minimum flow, level, or quality of water.
Who Administers the Law
The Water Rights Bureau, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, administers the water reservations that were granted by the Board of Natural Resources and Conservation. The local conservation district authorizes the use of its water reservation and administers the individual reserved water use authorizations. The Conservation and Resource Development Division, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, provides technical and administrative assistance to the conservation districts in preparing applications and developing their reservations.
Application Procedure Timeline
The application for reserved water use form is available at the local conservation district office or at the Conservation and Resource Development Division's offices in Miles City, Glasgow, and Helena. An application fee is required. Contact the local conservation district to determine the appropriate fee.
For more information, contact:
Your local conservation district or
Conservation and Resource Development Division
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
1625 Eleventh Avenue P.O. Box 201601
Helena, MT 59620-1601
(406) 444-6667
or
Conservation and Resource Development Division
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
321 Main Street
PO Box 276
Miles City, MT 59301
(406) 232-6359
or
Conservation and Resource Development Division
Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
222 6th Street South
PO Box 1269
Glasgow, MT 59230
(406) 228-2561
