Local Water Quality Districts
Program Description
Local water quality districts (LWQD) are formed pursuant to 7-13-4501 et.seq., MCA by county governments. This legislation describes district organization and specifies the authorities that
can be exercised at the local level. The Montana Dept. of Environmental Quality (DEQ) provides support to LWQD programs, but does not have an active management role in their activities.
Districts have been formed in Missoula, Lewis & Clark, Silver Bow, and Gallatin counties. These groups serve as local government districts with a governing board of directors, and funding
obtained from fees collected annually with county taxes, similar to funding mechanisms for other county districts.
The districts must prepare an annual report that summarizes the yearly activities. These reports provide a review of the ongoing activities and allow for an assessment of each LWQD in
meeting their program objectives established during formation of the districts. A staff member with the DEQ Source Water Protection Section serves as coordinator for LWQD activities, and
reviews the annual reports. DEQ’s LWQD coordinator is currently (1999) supporting local groups in Flathead, Ravalli and Yellowstone counties who have expressed interest in forming new LWQDs.
A significant component of selected district programs is the ability to participate in the enforcement of the Montana Water Quality Act and related rules. Districts also may develop and
implement local water quality protection ordinances. This activity is performed in conjunction with the Enforcement Division at DEQ.
DEQ is working with the districts to support implementation of the Source Water Protection Program by each LWQD at public water supply systems within district boundaries. DEQ’s LWQD
coordinator is currently in the process of planning for a meeting with all the districts to review programs and activities, and generally share ideas about how each district approaches and
manages local water quality related issues.
