Home
Welcome visitors to your site with a short, engaging introduction.
Double click to edit and add your own text.
Montana Clean Water
What We Stand For
Our mission is to protect and preserve Montana’s clean water for families, farms, and future generations. We believe that clean water is vital to the health of our communities, our agriculture, and our environment. We are committed to ensuring that this essential resource remains plentiful and accessible, supporting both responsible development and the well-being of our state. Together, we can work toward sustainable solutions that balance economic growth with the preservation of Montana’s natural beauty and water resources.Join us in our efforts to safeguard this vital resource for future. Together, we can ensure that Montana's water remains pure and abundant.
Preserving Clean Water For Future Generations
We strongly oppose the use of clean, potable water for hydraulic fracturing (fracking). While petroleum products have undoubtedly contributed to the advancement of modern society, we firmly believe that clean water resources should not be sacrificed in the process. We urge industry stakeholders to source water from alternative locations and transport it as needed, rather than relying on our valuable water supply. Our wells are vital to the health and well-being of our communities, and we must ensure their protection for future generations.
How We Got Here
In the summer of 2024, our community experienced a severe water crisis as many local wells went dry. This situation coincided with a time when a significant portion of our fresh water resources was being diverted for hydraulic fracturing (fracking) operations. While we recognize the important role that the oil and gas industry plays in supporting local jobs and the economy, we also face the pressing challenge of protecting our limited water supply, especially our aquifers, which do not replenish without rainwater. As companies seek permits to continue using these vital resources for fracking, it is essential that we prioritize the sustainability of our freshwater sources. We propose exploring alternative water sources, such as river water or aquifers replenished by rivers, for industrial use. This will help ensure that our community continues to have access to safe, reliable water for drinking, agriculture, and other essential needs, now and in the future.
Get Your Water Tested
Get your well tested; the tests should include major anions and cations, THS, conductivity, ph. The test costs 80$ for each well but will provide a baseline for health and change over time.
Astro Chem Lab 1(701) 572-7355
Clean Water Should Be Used For
Clean water is for drinking, ensuring our health and well-being. It also plays a crucial role in agriculture, supporting the growth of crops and livestock. Access to clean water is vital for sustainable farming practices and food security. Together, these uses highlight the importance of protecting and preserving our water sources.
How You Can Help Keep Our Water Clean
1
Contact Your Representitives
It’s crucial that we take action to protect our clean aquifer water. We need as many people as possible to call their state representatives and demand they take immediate steps to safeguard this vital resource. Without widespread awareness and action, we risk losing what is essential for our health and environment. Your voice matters—please, call today and make it clear that we won’t stand idly by while our water is threatened.
1. Call Your Representatives as many as possible.
What to say:
-
“Hi, my name is [Your Name], and I live in [Town]. I’m concerned about the impact of fracking on our well water and aquifers.”
-
“Please support policies that protect our water from being used up needlessly. Our families and farms depend on it.”
-
“I’d like to know what steps are being taken to address this issue.”
2. Email Your Representatives
Send a short, impactful email outlining your concerns. Use the same message as the phone script or write your own. Be sure to:
-
Introduce yourself.
-
Clearly express your concerns about the water supply.
-
Request action on this issue.
3. Mail a letter to your representatives
-
Include your name, County and express why you are contacting them
For a complete list of officials and their role as well as contact information click on the link below.
2
File a Complaint with the DNRC
Right now, millions of gallons of water are being extracted from Richland County for fracking purposes. But that's not all — there is a new proposal on the table to tap into our clean, potable, and shallow aquifer water to support the oilfield industry. We have nothing against Fracking, only the use of our well water instead of replenishable water elsewhere.
According to Page 20 of the Preliminary Determination in the DNRC’s application 42M 30163320, this proposed use is deemed 100% consumptive, meaning the water is unlikely to return to the aquifer once it's used. This not only jeopardizes the future of our water supply but also puts our environment at risk.
It is time for us to make our voices heard. The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) needs to know that we oppose the use of our aquifer for fracking. There are other sources for fracking water that should be used. It is unjust for a small group to benefit while the rest of us bear the consequences of depleted water supplies.
Take action today by voicing your concern directly to the DNRC. Let them know that we must protect our water wells, aquifers, and future.
Our community deserves clean, safe water — and we must stand together to ensure that it remains accessible for generations to come.
Click on the link Below for DNRC Form 611 Objection to Application
3
Please Donate to support us in managing costs
Help Us Protect Our Community and Environment – Donate Now!
We are working hard to raise awareness and take action on an important issue that affects us all. As costs continue to rise, we need your support to continue our efforts in protecting our community’s resources and environment.
What We’ve Done So Far:
-
Raised Awareness: We’ve put up a billboard to get the word out to the public.
-
Legal Action: We’ve hired a lawyer to file objections and challenge decisions that could harm our resources.
-
Environmental Monitoring: We’ve hired a hydrologist to monitor local wells, and they are acquiring the equipment needed for the job.
-
Information Sharing: A website has been created to provide up-to-date information to the public.
-
Public Engagement:We’ve launched a Facebook campaign to raise funding and spread awareness.
-
But the costs are mounting, and we need your help. Every donation makes a difference, whether large or small, and goes directly toward funding the legal fees, equipment, and ongoing efforts to keep our community safe.
How You Can Help:
Please consider making a donation through GiveSendGo to support our cause. Your generosity will help us continue fighting for a sustainable future for all of us.
Together, we can make a real difference. Thank you for your support!
Forms and Documents
Form 611, is what you need to file an Objection to Application for water rights. Click link below to access this form
Read the Water Rights Permit Application submitted to the DNRC click on the link below for the PDF
Read the Environmental Assessment from the DNRC about the impact to the area. Click the link below for the PDF
Form 609, is a water use coplaint form. If you have witnessed a missuse of water or have a complaint. Click link below for this form.
Read the DNRC Preliminary Determination to Grant Permit Click on the link below for the PDF
Read the Water Well Drilling Document from the DNRC. Click the link below for the PDF
See all the Recent water Right Applications on the DNRC website. Click the link below to go directly to the page.
Contact Lists
Contact List
for Your Representatives
We have compiled a comprehensive list of representatives whom you can contact directly to express your concerns, ensuring that your voice is heard and considered. Click on the Link to the Right for the list
Links to the DNRC Website and thier facebook page
Link to to DRWA Dry Red Water website.
Why This Is Important To You!
Fracking using the community aquifer will have significant and long-lasting effects on our area of Richland County. Because of the unique area we live in, much of our water comes from rain and is not easily refilled when emptied. This puts at risk the water supply for over 1,400 wells in the area. These wells provide essential water for local households, farms, and businesses, and relying on them for fracking operations threatens to deplete this vital resource. If the aquifer is drained, residents will face steep costs for water from city sources, driving up their bills. In addition, for those living on farms or in rural areas, they may have to spend thousands of dollars just to have a pipeline extended to their properties, which adds to the financial burden. The loss of this water source would not only raise everyday expenses but could also disrupt agricultural practices, affecting livelihoods and local economies. Outside water sources should supply the water needs for fracking, not our aquifer.
Impacted Wells
Richland County School Dist #2
Averett, Craig & Katharine F Trust Dtd 5/9/2000
Debra Schillinger; Schillinger Family Legacy Trust Dtd 9/16/2023
Jeff & Luanna Aisenbrey
Chad Albin
Barbara J Albrecht
Ashlea J & Ryan R Anderson
Debra & Greg Anderson
Duane A & Linda J Anderson
Bradley M, Michael T, & Marlys Anvik
Kenneth Arneson
Kenneth Michael Backes
Vickie Barbot
Ann R Barrett
Justin Barrett
Craig & Georgia Beiswanger
Brett R & Daniela J Bennion
Marlin J Beyer
Paul C Beyer
Brady Bouchard
Don D & Ronald R Bouchard
Jim Bousquet
Melissa, Rebecca, & William Buckley
Charley Buehner
Chad Burns
Marty Casey
Bnsf Railway Co
Montana State Board of Land Commissioners
Dclw Corp
Clifford & Debbie Dahl
Toby J Dahl
Justin M, Max B, Morgan M, & Ronald Demary
Michael G & Paul J Denowh
Larry D Drevecky
Cole & Teagan J Dunagan
Carl T & Lindsey L Dynneson
John K & Nancy K Dynneson
Sherman L Dynneson
Beverly R & Dale W Edam
Dale L & Ladean Edam
James M & Tammy L Edinger
Debra & Donald Engesser
Deedra & Shandon W Erickson
Lesueur Family
Albin Farms
Donald L Feliciano
Harold J & Helen Fink
Kelly & Ronald J Fink
Ronald J Fink
Dayton Foundation
John L Franklin
Arlon W & Donald A Franz
Jerry & Amanda Gallagher
Amanda & John Garcia
Bryan P Gartner
Lillian Delores Gilbert
Russ S Gomke
Julie Goss
Ila K Hardy
Carter & Lori Hasselstrom
Joyce Hernandez
Michael F & Richard T Hier
Audrey A Hill
Melvin R Hill
Darla Hill
David S Hill & Julie E Hill
Elaine L & Wilbur W Hill
3 Buttes Community Center INC
4 J Ranch INC
Franz Construction Inc
Gladowski Ranch Inc
Harold J Fink; Fink Farms Inc
Julian Dombrowski; Sunny Slope Ranch Inc
Kopp Farms Inc
L-C Anvik Inc
Mondalin Inc
Petersen, J K Inc
Prevost Ranch Inc
Stoney Butte Farms Inc
Sunny Slope Ranch Inc
Thiessen Inc
Tveit Farms Inc
Dynneson Ranch Inc
Fink Farms Inc
Four J Ranch Inc
Douglas J Johnson
Jefferey D & Mary S Johnson
Marthea A Johnson
Mary Jeane Johnson
Philip & Robyn Johnson
Russell H & Sandra S Johnson
Kenneth, Marlon J, & Pamela K Kilen
Diane Kilsdonk
Jon Kleinke
Peggy & Ron Kopp
Jodi & Ray W Kordonowy
Brenda & Tim D Larson
Merlyn D & Rosemary Larson
Chris C & Michelle R Larson
Judith J & Rodney Lassey
Rhonda Lawhead
Brian D Lewis
Mary B Little
Almond Farms LLC
Hay Creek Resources LLC
Heart Plus LLC
Johnson, Calvin Z Land LLC
Johnson, Craig L Land LLC
Shadwell Resources Group LLC
Daw LLC
Doubleda, LLC
Dynneson Land LLC
EMEP Acquisitions LLC
Klose Lands LLLP
Lone Butte Properties, LLP
Kittleson Family Partnership LP
Gregory T Lytle
Mark A & Mary H Martin
Howard & Marion Martini
Thomas H Martini
Tara Mathern
Joseph May
Jerry R McMillen
David R McMillen
Eric J & Keri L McPherson
Bronwyn L & Roger W Meyer
Curtis M & Jana D Miller
Jana Minifie
Montana, State of University
Clint Mullin
Darcy Mullin
Dawn Mullin
Lacey Mullin
Darin Mullin
David A & Merle A Mullin
Delon & Theresa Murschel
Bette Kay Nelson
Charles F & Matthew J Nevins
Jill & Kelli Norby
Catherine M & Daryl Norgaard
Kathy M & Rocky L Obergfell
Harl & Janice Oland
Brien, Toby A, & Zane R Panasuk
Jeffrey L Partin
Richard I Partin
Timothy T Partin
55 Partnership
J Harry Johnson Lt. Partnership
Merrill, TBA Family Partnership
Daniels Family Partnership
At What Cost?
If Our Aquifer water is given away and we do end up with dry wells, we need not worry. Lucky for the People of Richland County, The Dry Red Water Project is here to save you. Its timing is suspicious at best. Just when they want to give our well water away for free, there happens to be a solution being piped right down our country roads. For only $5,000.00 if we got in when they had the sale or substantially more if we didn't, we can have a pipe going right to our home and farm. Prices are seen to the left and on the DRWA website. If you can ignore the smell of a rat you can say...
Gosh, aren't we lucky!
We don't mention loss of farm production, hurt to the environment, damage to surface water and ecosystem, leaving our posterity with nothing, etc.....we will save that for later.
Will Your Water Be Affected?
In the 79 page Document Available on the DNRC website is a list of the wells that are in the area of Proposed water use.
"Appendix A: Active Groundwater Rights Within the Zone of Influence" (Page 34)
To see if you are on the list, use the link below to find the original document on the DNRC website.
Page 4 of DNRC BIG HORN LEASING LLC ) ) ) DRAFT PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION TO GRANT PERMIT
For The Future
"We need to revise the water usage policy at every level to prioritize families and farming over fracking."
Last year, several wells in rural Richland County began showing concerning signs of distress. Some became muddy and black, while others ran completely dry, only pumping air. After a closer investigation, it became evident that fracking activities were impacting our well water supply. Thanks to the vigilance of concerned neighbors, the fracking operation was eventually halted. However, the issue is far from resolved. Now, there is a proposal to issue a permit allowing a third party to extract our well water—without offering any compensation in return. To make matters worse, no consideration has been given to the potential impact on our community, particularly as the summer season approaches, when water scarcity could become a serious concern for all of us.
While we support responsible and sustainable energy practices, including fracking in appropriate areas, we are concerned about the potential risks to our delicate aquifer. This aquifer is not easily replenished, and protecting it is essential for the future well-being of our community. It’s time for policies that ensure our vital water resources aren’t being drained by a few, leaving the rest of us without the resources we need.
Importing expensive water from outside sources is not a sustainable solution, and we must question why the DNRC is allowing some to take our water while expecting us to bear the financial burden of connecting to the new Dry Red Water line. Why should we pay for someone else’s business when our community’s water resources are at risk?
The current approach is simply not acceptable. It’s time to come together and ensure that our water is protected for future generations by changing policy.
"I have never seen this before"
" My well has always been crystal clear. In over twenty years we have never had a problem until now."
Richland County Resident
"We have used our well for 40 years withour issue. Yet in September 2024, it started to suck air."
Richland County Resident
"my neighbor...called me about an illegal drawing of water and fracking in our Community."
Richland County Resident
I ask that the DNRC put a stop to Commercial interests using our communitity's potable water for fracking."
Richland County Resident
“If the state is going to let the oil industrytake our clean well water, they are letting the people of motana down."
Richland County Resident
"...in October, our water turned black. We have never had anything but beautiful water for decades."
Richland County Resident
" By July 1, we could hear the pumping. It was so loud it was spooking the horses enough I feared they woud take a run at the fence."
Richland County Resident
"This area is primarily used for farming and cattle,we rely on our wells for our livelyhood....This is blatent mismanagment and equates to the farmers subsidizing oil and gas."
Richland County Resident
"Draining our potable water aquifer to frac oil wells could cause long term environmental impact on the on the community of Mt. Pleasant.
Richland County Resident
"In October, the silt and dirt content was so great that we could not see the bottom of our tub. After twenty-five years of residence, my clear water was filled with mud."
GOVERNOR GIANFORTE
Mail:
Governor Greg Gianforte
P.O. Box 200801
Helena, MT 59620-0801
Phone: 406-444-3111
Online Comment Submission Form:
https://montana.servicenowservices.com/gov?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=80efbfe91b8a5d100b73a8efe54bcbcd (https://montana.servicenowservices.com/gov?id=sc_cat_item&sys_id=80efbfe91b8a5d100b73a8efe54bcbcd)
ATTORNEY GENERAL KNUDSEN
Mail:
Office of the Attorney General
Montana Department of Justice
P.O. Box 201401
Helena, MT 59620-1401
Phone: (406) 444-2026 Fax: (406) 444-3549
E-mail: contactdoj@mt.gov
Online Form to Request a Meeting: https://dojmt.gov/attorney-generals-office/request-a-meeting-the-ag/
REPRESENTATIVE LER
Mail:
Rep. Brandon Ler
11313 County Rd 338
Savage, MT 59262
Telephone: 406-480-5687
Email address: Brandon.Ler@legmt.gov
SENATOR GREGG HUNTER
Mail:
Senator Gregg Hunter
PO Box 292
Glasgow, MT 59230
Phone: 406-219-7590
Email: Gregg.Hunter@legmt.gov
REPRESENTATIVE MORGAN THIEL
Mail:
Rep. Morgan Thiel
120 E Main St
Sidney, MT 59270
Phone: 406-480-6271
Email: Morgan.Thiel@legmt.gov
SENATOR KENNETH BOGNER (SD19)
Mail:
Senator Kenneth Bogner
1017 Pleasant St
Miles City, MT 59301-3414
Phone: (406) 916-9690
Email: Kenneth.Bogner@legmt.gov
REPRESENTATIVE JERRY SCHILLINGER (HD37)
Mail:
Rep. Jerry Schillinger
PO Box 394
Circle, MT 59215-0394
Primary ph: (406) 974-2478
Email: Jerry.Schillinger@legmt.gov
BUREAU OF RECLAMATION – Montana Area Office
Mail:
Ryan Newman, Area Manager
Montana Area Office
Bureau of Reclamation
2900 Fourth Avenue N., Ste. 501
Billings MT 59101
Phone: (406) 247-7296
Fax: (406) 247-7338
Website: https://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/
Online Missouri Basin Region Comment Submission Form: https://www.usbr.gov/gp/contact.html#comments
DRWA
Address:
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority
106 10th Street
PO Box 276
Circle, MT 59215
Phone: (406) 485-3792
Email: drwa@midrivers.com and drwa2@midrivers.com