Montana Title 85. Water Use § 85-5-301. Complaint by dissatisfied user

(1) A person owning or using any of the waters of the stream or ditch or extension of the ditch who is dissatisfied with the method of distribution of the waters of the stream or ditch by the water commissioner or water commissioners and who claims to be entitled to more water than the person is receiving or to a right prior to that allowed the person by the water commissioner or water commissioners may file a written complaint, duly verified, setting forth the facts of the claim.

(2) Upon receipt of the complaint, the judge shall fix a time for the hearing of the petition and shall direct that notice be given to the parties interested in the hearing as the judge considers necessary. At the time fixed for the hearing, the judge shall hear and examine the complainant and other parties who appear to support or resist the claim and examine the water commissioner or water commissioners and witnesses regarding the charges contained in the complaint.

(3) Upon the determination of the hearing, the judge shall make findings and issue an order that the judge considers just and proper. If it appears to the judge that the water commissioner or water commissioners have not properly distributed the water according to the provisions of the decree, permit, certificate, or change in appropriation right, the judge shall give the proper instructions for distribution of the water.

(4) The judge may remove any water commissioner and appoint a new water commissioner if the judge determines that the interests of the parties in the waters mentioned in the decree, permit, certificate, or change in appropriation right will be best served by appointing a new water commissioner. If it appears to the judge that the water commissioner has willfully failed to perform the water commissioner's duties, the water commissioner may be proceeded against for contempt of court, as provided in contempt cases. The judge shall make an order regarding the payment of costs of the hearing that the judge determines is just and proper.