If you voluntarily reduced or stopped irrigation this year in response to drought conditions, you may want to document that conservation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).
At BHWC’s June monthly meeting, Danika Holmes, DNRC Upper Missouri Regional Water Planner, presented information about House Bill 580 and the Report of Reduced or Ceased Water Use. HB 580 clarifies that voluntarily reducing or ceasing water use during drought does not, by itself, demonstrate an intent to abandon a water right when certain requirements are met.
Under the law, a reduction in water use or nonuse does not by itself indicate intent to abandon a water right if:
- The place of diversion or use is within a county experiencing D1 (moderate) drought or worse, as designated by the U.S. Drought Monitor.
- The reduction or nonuse complies with a drought plan filed with DNRC.
- The water user files a Report of Reduced or Ceased Water Use with DNRC.
For irrigators who voluntarily conserved water this season in accordance with a qualifying drought plan, we encourage you to review the form and consider submitting it. Filing provides documentation that reduced water use was part of a voluntary drought response rather than an indication of intent to abandon a water right.
Deadline
The Report of Reduced or Ceased Water Use must be filed by December 30 of the same year in which the reduction or nonuse occurred.
Questions?
For questions about the form, eligibility, or drought plan requirements, contact:
Danika Holmes
Upper Missouri Regional Water Planner
DHolmes@mt.gov
DNRC Water Planning Section
DNRCPlanning@mt.gov