Practice Areas

Water Law

Water is a precious resource in Montana and has long been the topic of many historical disputes. If you own or lease real property in Montana, or intend to purchase property in Montana, there is a strong likelihood that at some point you will require legal assistance with your water rights. Many watershed basins in the state are also still in the water adjudication process, which is complicated and can impact the future of your water rights.

Our attorneys have more than 30 years of combined experience handling water right adjudication, water right enforcement, ditch easement disputes, irrigation, and drainage issues, permitting, and environmental compliance. We also employ fulltime support staff that is specially qualified in all water, irrigation, and permitting matters to simplify your complex water issues and mitigate cost to our clients.

We have extensive experience in this practice area and have developed strong relationships with industry professionals. A large portion of our practice has been devoted to assisting property owners statewide with their water rights through local and state agencies, the Montana Water Court, and District Court actions. We can also assist landowners with irrigation plans, local government entities, state or federal agencies, or represent you if your water rights issues require litigation.

We have a unique understanding of how the law applies to your specific situation, making us the ideal advocate for water law matters. Farmers, ranchers, homeowners, and developers statewide count on the attorneys at Markette & Chouinard, P.C to help them preserve, protect, and enforce their water rights.