Montana Title 85. Water Use § 85-20-102. Purpose of the part

Under the provisions of the Yellowstone River Compact (Chapter 39, Laws of Montana 1951), all appropriative rights to the beneficial uses of the waters of the interstate tributaries of the Yellowstone River existing in each signatory state as of January 1, 1950, have been recognized and shall continue to be enjoyed in accordance with the laws governing the acquisition and use of water under the doctrine of appropriation. All appropriative rights to the beneficial uses of the waters of the interstate tributaries of the Yellowstone River acquired after January 1, 1950, are subject to distribution in the states of Montana and Wyoming in accordance to the percentages in the different basins as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of Article V of said compact. The purpose of this part is to provide the means to determine the various appropriative rights to the beneficial uses of water of the interstate tributaries of the Yellowstone River acquired after January 1, 1950, and the quantity of water diverted and used by each such appropriator during each year, to enable the state of Montana and the Yellowstone River Compact commission to comply with and to administer the percentage allocations as provided in subsections (2) and (3) of Article V of said compact.