Local residents address water supply concerns at O'Keefe Wye forum

Concerns over water availability took center stage at the Missoula County Commissioners' Public Meeting on May 29, 2025, as residents voiced their frustrations regarding both water quantity and quality issues in the O'Keefe Wye area. Many properties are reportedly struggling with insufficient well yields, prompting some homeowners to install multiple wells and cisterns to secure adequate water supply.

The discussion highlighted the distinction between legal water rights and the physical availability of water, with officials emphasizing the need to focus on the latter. "Most of the basins in Montana are over-allocated," one commissioner noted, underscoring the challenges posed by the state's water rights framework. The meeting also referenced a recent study that utilized aerial imagery to assess water availability, although it was criticized for not employing more advanced scientific methods to accurately measure plant biomass and water levels.

Seasonal variations in water levels were a key point of concern, with data showing significant drawdowns in local wells during the summer months. One example cited was a well that required a depth of 17 feet to reach water in April, which increased to 55 feet by September, illustrating the impact of increased water usage during warmer weather.

The complexities of the local geology were also discussed, with reports indicating that some aquifer units may be interconnected, allowing for water movement between them. This raises questions about the sustainability of water sources in the area, particularly as new developments continue to emerge.

As the meeting concluded, officials expressed a commitment to further investigate these water availability issues, with plans to collaborate with Water Rights Inc. to address residents' concerns. The ongoing dialogue reflects a growing urgency to ensure that Missoula County's water resources can meet the needs of its community amid changing environmental conditions.