DNRC oversees the coordination, development, and utilization of state water in order to protect existing uses and promote adequate future supplies. The agency administers water rights, regulates dam safety and state floodplain management, implements reserved water compacts, operates and maintains dams, canals, and stream gages, and much more.
Recent legislation and litigation have impacted DNRC’s processes for authorizing exempt wells in Montana. Learn more about the current status of DNRC’s exempt well evaluation process, as well as what’s on the horizon.
Montana Has Over 400,000 Unique Water Rights