What You Need to Know Before Drilling a Well in Montana
If you’re buying land in Eastern Montana — or even considering developing the land you already own — water is one of the most important (and misunderstood) factors to get right.
Just because you own the land doesn’t mean you control the water under it. And just because someone says “just drill a well,” doesn’t mean that well will be deep enough, reliable enough, or even legal to use. Here’s what you need to know — before you buy, drill, or assume anything about your water situation.
Montana Owns the Water — You Just Apply to Use It
In Montana, water rights are regulated by the state. That means:
- You don’t automatically get the right to drill just because you own the land
- Existing water rights (if any) are tied to the land, not the owner
- You’ll need to file for a permit for a new well — and wait for approval
It’s common to hear sellers or agents say, “Just dig a well, no problem.” But if you’re in a sensitive aquifer area or close to a river, county or DEQ restrictions could delay — or deny — your ability to get usable water.
Not All Wells Are Created Equal
Even if you’re approved to drill, the quality and output of that well isn’t guaranteed. Some parcels yield shallow, high-flow wells. Others require 300+ feet of drilling and may still produce a weak flow.
That’s why experienced landowners often rely on above-ground water storage tanks — usually 6,000 gallons or more — to supplement a well’s slow recharge rate. In ranching areas, that can mean the difference between healthy livestock and dry tanks during summer heat.
Educational Tip: Check Local Well Logs Before You Buy
Want to know what kind of water production you’re working with? You can request well logs from surrounding properties — they’ll show:
- Depth of existing wells
- Flow rates
- Water quality tests
- Any historical issues with the water table
This is a step most first-time land buyers skip — and often regret.
Looking at land in Eastern Montana and not sure where to start with water?
Erik Erickson has walked this road many times — as a licensed land broker, rancher, and longtime Montanan. He’ll help you identify parcels with proven water sources, avoid the red tape, and make sure you’re not buying into a dry investment.
Call 406‑861‑5558 or visit mtlandandranch.com to get expert guidance on wells, water rights, and what’s really under your feet.
