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Committee moves forward study of water reuse in Montana; sponsors and advocates emphasize aquifer recharge and efficiency
Summary
House Natural Resources advanced HJ 74 to study water reuse statewide. Sponsor Representative Bob Carter cited declining precipitation and urged examination of reuse options for drinking, irrigation and stock water; conservation groups and Trout Unlimited supported the resolution and it passed by voice vote with proxies recorded.
The House Natural Resources Committee voted to advance HJ 74, a resolution directing an interim study of water reuse in Montana.
Sponsor Representative Bob Carter (House District 96) told the committee that fresh water is finite and cited research indicating a roughly 22% decline in statewide annual precipitation since 1981 as part of his rationale. He said the study should assess regional variations, technology readiness, and where reuse could be applied — for stock, irrigation and drinking water — and examine models in other states.
Several environmental and water groups offered proponent testimony. Matt Alsasser, deputy director of Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, said…
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