Montana’s wide-open spaces and fluctuating climate make water a precious resource. Across the state, irrigation is central not only to agriculture but also to the health of residential landscapes and community green spaces. From century-old canal systems feeding hay fields to backyard sprinklers keeping lawns green in dry summers, water use in Montana requires careful balance, planning, and stewardship.
Rooted in Agriculture: A History of Water UseMontana’s irrigation history dates back to the mid-1800s, when settlers hand-dug ditches from rivers such as the Gallatin, Jefferson, and Yellowstone to cultivate crops and sustain livestock. Today, more than 2 million acres of Montana farmland depend on irrigation. Common crops include hay, barley, wheat, potatoes, and sugar beets, with water delivered via surface canals, wheel lines, pivots, and drip systems.