Flathead Reservation Water Management Board
Our purpose is to help you secure water rights, resolve water right issues, and administer water uses on the Flathead Reservation.
How We Protect Our Water
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the State of Montana formed the Flathead Reservation Water Management Board to provide for the knowledgeable conservation, management, and protection of water resources of the Flathead Reservation.
CALENDAR 2024
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How did we do?
Here at the Flathead Reservation Water Management Board we are always eager to receive feedback from the public about your experiences with our office. Please take a minute to let us know how we are doing!
WHAT WE DO
WHAT WE DON'T DO
We do not manage the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP).
The FIIP Operator oversees the distribution of water within FIIP. Contact FIIP at 406-745-2661 or 220 Project Drive, St. Ignatius, MT 59865.
We do not collect water-use fees or meter individual or shared domestic wells unless special circumstances arise.
We have no jurisdiction off the Reservation.
The Montana DNRC retains jurisdiction over water uses and water rights located off the Reservation.
ABOUT THE COMPACT
Our Ordinance (Water Compact’s Unitary Administration & Management Ordinance) directs water right permitting, changes to water rights, and enforcement of water rights on the Flathead Reservation. Our Board (composed of State and Tribal appointed members) interprets and applies the Ordinance. All Reservation water right records will be recorded in the State Water Rights Database and available for examination by the public in the Water Right Query System. We are funded equally by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the State of Montana.
Our Ordinance has been approved by the Montana Legislature and the CSKT Tribal Council. Neither party can change the Ordinance without the approval of the other party.
SURFACE WATER AND
GROUND WATER
ARE CONNECTED
Each use of water on the Flathead Reservation can affect the water supply of other water users on the Flathead Reservation.