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Your support defending our right to clean fishable, drinkable, swimable water is more important than ever! Upper Missouri Waterkeeper is leading the fight for clean water in Montana at every level — and we need your support to keep going strong. Since you heard from us, we:
Montana’s waters face serious threats. But with your help, we’re taking action at every level to hold agencies accountable, defend science-based standards, and protect the water we all depend on. 👉 Become a sustaining member today — your support powers this work. Waterkeeper Sues DEQ to Protect the Big Hole River
The fight to protect Montana’s rivers—especially the world-class Big Hole—is far from over. Despite five years of DEQ-certified and verified data collected by the Big Hole River Foundation clearly showing pollution impairment impacting the Big Hole and wild trout, DEQ continues to ignore the science and the law. The court’s erroneous decision allows this failure to stand now, but it will not go unchallenged. As Upper Missouri Waterkeeper’s Executive Director told Butte Channel 4 following the disappointing decision, refusing to use this data to protect the Big Hole highlights the bigger problem: DEQ’s failure to apply numeric nutrient pollution standards leaves our rivers vulnerable and undermines meaningful protections. “DEQ’s refusal to apply the laws on the books is a violation of a clear legal duty, As we consider the next legal steps and our ongoing appeal to the EPA unfolds, we ask for your support in demanding that Montana’s water quality be protected from pollution using science-based standards. Petition to EPA to Block Montana’s Rollback of Water Pollution Standards
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper has formally petitioned the EPA to reject three new polluter laws passed by the Montana Legislature that undermine clean water protections. These laws eliminate science-based nutrient standards, weaken safeguards against pollution, and introduce an unaccountable pollution offset scheme. Earlier this month, Waterkeeper coordinated a meeting with allies and EPA’s Regional Administrator to stress the urgent need for enforceable, science-based criteria that protect Montana’s rivers, wildlife, public health, and economy. “The EPA has a legal duty to act if the state won’t,” said UMW Director Guy Alsentzer. “Billions in economic activity and healthy fisheries are at risk if we let polluters off the hook.” The EPA has 60 days to respond to the petition challenging HB 664, which repeals objective science-based nutrient criteria (a proposal already rejected by the EPA in 2022); HB 685, which replaces water protection reviews with a development-first “feasibility” scheme; and HB 736, which allows unscientific nutrient trading without safeguards, risking localized pollution hotspots. Learn more: Clean Water 1, Sprawl 0: A Big Win for the Gallatin Valley
In 2022, we supported concerned neighbors and members in successful opposition to Hyalite Creek Major Subdivision—providing technical expertise and legal insight—and this week, we helped stop its near-identical return. On Tuesday, the Gallatin County Planning Board voted against the approval of the proposed Anderson Meadows Major Subdivision, a sprawl development without central water or sewer in a rural area. With the support of engaged citizens and our expert analysis, we challenged its reliance on clustered exempt water wells and polluting septic systems, which threaten groundwater and the already nutrient-polluted Hyalite Creek.
This is a clear example of the broader pattern of unchecked, piecemeal sprawl—the death by a thousand cuts overtaking the Gallatin Valley. Once again, the developer tried to repeat the same flaws from 2022: an incomplete and misleading hydrologic report, water use without a water right, no plan for nutrient pollution, and disregard for the cumulative impacts of density in a rural agricultural area. “This victory is a major milestone—developers and development must account for its true costs to clean water, communities, and the Montana way of life,” Alsentzer said. “Let this be the first of many.” Groundwater and surface water are connected—development must pay for itself, or it shouldn’t proceed. This week’s vote is a critical win for clean water—and a sign that Gallatin Valley residents are no longer accepting business as usual. Upper Missouri Waterkeeper alone occupies this space, protecting water at every decision point. Protecting Water Resources and Rights:
Waterkeeper successfully defeated multiple “exempt well” bills during this session, which would have unraveled the landmark Horse Creek Hills decision—a legal victory that upheld the property rights of senior water users and protected critical trout-spawning habitat from pollution and potential dewatering. That decision, featured in the PBS segment, centered on the Plymale family, fifth-generation ranchers whose private property water rights we defended alongside a vulnerable spawning creek. Our fight made clear: there is no such thing as a free lunch or free water; water must be protected at its source. We will continue to stand up against developer-first policies that threaten the long-term health of our rivers, fisheries, and agricultural heritage. Montana’s Cold Water Fisheries Can’t Wait Montana is facing another hot summer forecast with low flows, high temperatures, and worsening drought conditions. These warming conditions driven by climate change are already threatening our cold-water fisheries and straining water resources across the state. This image from drought.gov shows that much of the Upper Missouri Basin was abnormally dry before July.
Upper Missouri Waterkeeper is leading the charge, fighting with science and law to protect our cold, clean water—but we can’t do it alone, and your support is more critical than ever. Join us for Upcoming Events! Protecting the Big Hole River – July 14, 2025 – Helena & Live Online Mighty Mo Brew Pub’s Raise A Pint – August 18, 2025 – Great Falls Helena Soiree Fundraiser – August 26, 2025 – Helena 📣 Waterkeeper in the News Catch up on recent media coverage featuring our work to defend clean water across Montana:
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