Search for a water right with our Water Right Query System

What is a Water Right?

A water right allows you to legally use water in a prescribed manner, but not to own the water itself. Without diversion and beneficial use, there is no water right.  Water rights in Montana are basically broken down into two groups. 

• Water rights that were established prior to July 1,1973 are administered by the Adjudication Bureau.
• Water rights that were established from July 1, 1973 through the present are administered by the New Appropriations Program.

What Does The Water Rights Bureau Do?

The Water Rights Bureau administers the following:

• Establishing new water rights or changing existing water rights (New Appropriations Program)
• Water right records (Water Rights Records Unit)

Water Right Search

Following are some tools and resources to aid you in your search for water rights information

• Search for a water right with our Water Right Query System
• Search for well log data at the Ground Water Information Center
• Pending Water Right Applications and Public Notice Documents
• Water Right Environmental Assessment
• Water Rights in Montana

Water Right Application Information

• Pending Water Right Application Status
• Pending Water Right Applications and Public Notice Documents
• Water Right Environmental Assessment

Water Right Ownership Updates

• Update Water Right Ownership Records
• Change Your Water Right Mailing Address

Water Right Forms

• Click here for water right forms
• File on a new well (Form 602)
• File on a replacement well (Form 634)

Who should I contact?

The Water Resources Regional Offices are here to help! Please contact your local office for assistance.

Billings: (406) 247-4415
Bozeman: (406) 586-3136
Glasgow: (406) 228-2561
Havre: (406) 265-5516
Helena: (406) 444-6999
Kalispell: (406) 752-2288
Lewistown: (406) 538-7459
Missoula: (406) 721-4284