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Committee reviews water reuse study and current DEQ permitting processes
Summary
The Water Policy Interim Committee heard an overview of the HJR 74 water reuse study and a presentation from DEQ on current permitting for reclaimed water, followed by public comments from conservation and agricultural stakeholders.
Sen. Wylie Galt, presiding officer of the Water Policy Interim Committee, opened a session on House Joint Resolution 74 that set out the committee's study approach for water reuse systems and the regulatory review the committee will pursue. Toni Henneman, lead staff for the committee, said the study will examine technical, legal, and permitting barriers to reuse systems across Montana.
Lindsey Krywaruchka, Water Quality Division Administrator for the Department of Environmental Quality, described DEQ's current permitting framework for reclaimed and reused water, outlining permitting pathways, monitoring expectations, and typical timelines for approvals. Committee members asked procedural and technical questions about permitting thresholds, monitoring obligations, and whether DEQ guidance adequately addresses small community systems.
Public commenters highlighted differing priorities. Clayton Elliott of Montana Trout Unlimited raised environmental-protection concerns and urged rigorous monitoring and conservative discharge limits. Karli Johnson of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation provided an agricultural perspective, focusing on practical implementation for producers. Several local residents, including Ann Hallowell and Sarah Borduin, emphasized community information and public-notice aspects.
Committee members did not take formal action. Staff outlined planned follow-up materials and indicated DEQ and committee staff would provide additional technical briefs to inform potential recommendations in future meetings.
