HELENA — Earlier this month, MTN reported on changes in how the state of Montana is handling water rights for developments that use “exempt wells.” Now, a new lawsuit is challenging the use of exempt wells altogether.

A wide-ranging group of plaintiffs – including the Montana League of Cities and Towns, agriculture organizations and conservation groups – is suing the state and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. They argue that the cumulative effects of exempt wells – relatively small water users that don’t need to go through the full process of securing a groundwater permit – are harming long-time water rights holders.

“There isn't an opportunity for other water users to get notice and potentially object to any things that might infringe on their water rights

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