"[Present well water in this area] looks bad, it tastes bad, it smells bad. The only good thing about it is that it's wet."
-McCone County Resident
Creating Access to Clean, Safe Drinking Water in Eastern Montana.
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority (DRWA) is locally owned by the McCone, Dawson, Garfield, and Richland County Conservation Districts. Board of Directors consists of individuals appointed by each of the conservation districts. The goal of DRWA is to own and operate a water system to provide good quality household and livestock water to the owners and members of the coverage area.
DRWA coverage area includes the Counties of McCone, Dawson, Garfield, Richland, northern Prairie, and McKenzie west of the Yellowstone River.
DRWA is aware of the recent egregious and defamatory claims circulating regarding our work and partnerships. We want to reassure the public that these accusations are completely false.
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority has always operated transparently, legally, and with the best interests of our communities at heart. We are taking immediate steps to correct the misinformation being spread by Montana Clean Water.
Our mission remains unchanged: to deliver clean, reliable water to the people of Eastern Montana. We stand proud of our work, and we won't be distracted by falsehoods. Thank you to all who support our vision for a healthier, stronger Montana.
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority Press Release – 4/29/2025
Safe Water, Strong Communities: DRWA Responds to Misinformation Campaign
Access to clean, reliable drinking water is a fundamental right — not a luxury. At Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority (DRWA), our mission has always been clear: to deliver safe water to the communities and residents of Eastern Montana who need it most.
In recent weeks, unfounded accusations have been circulated by a group known as Montana Clean Water (MCW), alleging that DRWA engaged in improper dealings with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and Richland County leadership. These claims are not only false, but dangerously misleading.
It is important to correct the record: DRWA's project does not harm, threaten, or diminish the rights of local farmers and ranchers. Our initiatives were carefully planned alongside environmental studies to ensure balance between agriculture, public needs, and long-term resource management. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our communities, and DRWA stands as a partner, not an adversary.
The recent wave of misinformation seeks to divide rather than unite. We understand that water access is emotional and vital. However, spreading falsehoods does nothing to strengthen our communities; it only weakens trust. We call on Montana Clean Water and other concerned parties to seek truth over fear, facts over speculation.
We are proud to stand with the people of Eastern Montana, offering solutions to long-standing water challenges. We will not be distracted from our mission. We will continue to advocate for clean water, for healthy communities, and for the future we all deserve.
Thank you to everyone who has supported DRWA during this time. We invite all Montanans to join us in building a stronger, healthier, and more united future.
Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority
We can’t make this happen alone. DRWA has an incredible team working with us to make the dream of clean, accessible drinking water for the people in our service area a reality.
DRWA Was Established in 2005
To learn more about where we’ve been and where we’re going, check out our History page.
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Eastern Montana Needs a Rural Water Project like DRWA
To learn why, visit our Need page.
Photo Credits:
Meet Our Team Image: Wendy Johnson
Water Samples: DRWA
Need Image: Ellie Nyberg