Montana Groundwater Conference
June 22, 2026 | Online | 8:30 am - 4:00 pm
Montana Groundwater Conference Agenda
Montana Groundwater Hydrology, Presented by Payton Gardner
The hydrologic cycle
Precipitation and infiltration
Groundwater aquifers
Declining groundwater levels
Relationship between groundwater and surface waters
Statutory Groundwater Management, Presented by Peter Scott
Environmental management-related laws
Active management areas
Irrigation non-expansion areas
Groundwater management
Groundwater rights
Groundwater management goals/plans
Conservation and management requirements
Underground water storage
Assured water supply
Rural groundwater overdraft
Legislative reform proposals
Groundwater Common Law, Presented by Clare Ols
Doctrine of reasonable use
Nature of right to use percolating groundwater
Limitations on right
Transportation of groundwater
Doctrine of prior appropriation
Nature of right to use appropriable water
How right is acquired
Limitations on right
Comparison to reasonable use doctrine
Exempt groundwater wells
How to Help Clients Navigate Development, Presented by Madeleine Weisz
Requirements after 2025 Legislative Reforms
The new 602l form filing requirements
What to do if a 602l is denied
Appeal process
Alternative methods to meet necessary water requirements
Permit processes
Mitigation options
Platting strategies
Changes in how DNRC is calculating legal water availability – water reservations
The tension between development needs/affordable housing and water resource protection