Streamlining Montana Water Rights Transfers

When marketing farms, ranches or recreational offerings, the first question a savvy buyer should ask is, “Are there water rights associated with the property?” This can make a break a deal if you need water to produce a crop or if you are purchasing a property that has springs or a viable fishery that relies on using those water rights to enhance its value.

If you think you own a water right but you have checked the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation website and your name is not listed, you may have to delve into solving what the status of those rights are. Nancy Zalutsky, a 20 year veteran of researching water rights has compiled an excellent article on how to streamline water right transfers and how water rights should transfer when you purchase a property. Read more.

For a list of excellent ranches with verified water rights for the ag producer and recreationalist, visit Michelle Van Dyke’s listings.