Posted: Tuesday, January 17, 2023
Author: Vinny Delgado, Partner, Ranch Sales | Licensed in MT
Dear Vinny,
I live in the drought-stricken hell hole called California. Water and water rights are my top priority as I plan my move to MT, WY, ID, WA, or CO. What should I be concerned about when it comes to purchasing a ranch and making sure the water reserves for the ranch are intact, and I won’t lose them?
- Concerned About Drought
Dear Concerned About Drought,
If water is an essential aspect of owning a ranch in the west, several factors must be considered. The first is understanding the difference between the three types of water rights typically conveyed with a ranch sale. Domestic well water is registered with the Department of Natural Resource and Conservation when a well is drilled, and this water is used for domestic use, homes/lawns/etc. There are typically not any restrictions on drilling additional wells for the same benefits on a ranch. Stock water is used for animal consumption; this can be via springs, surface water, or developed tanks and is also registered with the DNRC. Irrigation water is where things can sometimes get dicey. Understanding priority dates, the number of acres that can be irrigated, and the period within a year that water can be used are critical. A knowledgeable ranch broker understands how to read these documents and will have a trusted water specialist who can review and consult the pros and cons of the water rights associated with a ranch you are interested in so you can make an educated decision.
