Understanding Water Access in Montana Agriculture

Water policy continues to be one of the most important and complex issues impacting Montana agriculture. Access to reliable water sources is essential for livestock production, rural development, and the long-term sustainability of family ranching operations. 

One key component of this system is the use of exempt wells—small-scale groundwater developments that provide practical water access for homes, livestock, and agricultural uses across the state. Understanding how these wells function, and how they fit into Montana’s broader water framework, is critical for producers navigating today’s evolving water landscape.

To help members and stakeholders better understand this issue, MSGA is offering an Water Policy Lunch & Learn: Understanding Water Access in Montana webinar featuring water law attorney Diana Abbott of Parsons Behle & Latimer. In this recorded session, Abbott provides an overview of the Montana Water Use Act, explaining how exempt wells work, why they matter to ranchers and rural communities, and how they interact with Montana’s water rights system and administrative processes. This educational resource is designed to make a complex topic more accessible and give producers practical insight into an issue that directly affects agricultural operations across the state.

Play

Constitutional Challenge of Exempt Well Law Exemptions, Combined Appropriation and the Permit Process
in Montana Water Law
History of Exempt Wells in Montana