Caring for Tribal water, for current and future generations
The Division of Engineering & Water Resources implements the CSKT-Montana Water Compact through engineering, science, planning and construction across the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Popular tasks
- Find a project near youStatus, photos, maps and documents for every project.
- Public meetings and noticesMeeting dates, comment periods and how to take part.
- Bids and procurementOpen RFPs, RFQs and bids, plus awards and NEPA records.
- Water Compact documentsThe Compact, the Ordinance and all 38 appendices.
Protecting Tribal water resources and water rights
The mission of the Division of Engineering and Water Resources is to protect Tribal water resources and water rights, maintain the safety and integrity of critical infrastructure, and advance sound science, engineering, and resource management to preserve the natural and cultural resources of the Flathead Indian Reservation for current and future generations.
Our work includes irrigation modernization, fish passage and habitat restoration, dam safety, road improvements, water rights implementation, hydrologic monitoring and community outreach.
About DEWR and our staff
The CSKT-Montana Water Compact
A Tribal, State and Federal agreement that quantifies and protects the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' federally reserved water rights under the 1855 Hellgate Treaty.
On May 12, 2026, the Montana Water Court approved the Compact, completing decades of negotiation and legal proceedings.
Read about the Compact and its appendicesApproved by the Montana Water Court
On May 12, 2026 the Water Court approved the Compact. The final decree confirms the Tribes' water rights.
Projects across the Reservation
Irrigation modernization, dam safety, restoration and roads. Choose a project on the map or in the list.
All projectsShowing 15 of 15 projects
Map positions are approximate in this concept. DEWR's GIS Analyst would supply the exact project locations.
Highlighted projects
How DEWR is improving water infrastructure and restoring natural resources.
Under way, 2026 to 2028
Kicking Horse Dam & Outlet Works Modification
Modernizing aging infrastructure to improve dam safety, water management and irrigation reliability.
Under way, 2025 to 2027
Jocko Valley Canal-to-Pipeline Conversion
Converting aging open canals to buried pipelines to improve delivery efficiency, reduce water loss and modernize irrigation.
Completed, 2024
Jocko K Diversion
A modern diversion with a fish ladder and fish screen replaced a structure that endangered operators and wasted irrigation water.
Under way, 2025
North Fork Jocko Tabor Diversion
A new rock ramp fishway, fish screen and diversion structure that improve fish passage while keeping irrigation deliveries reliable.
Under way, 2025 to 2027
Jocko River Bison Range Reach Restoration
Restoring 2.8 miles of the Jocko River to improve fish habitat, reconnect the floodplain and support healthier riparian and wetland ecosystems.
Planning and design, 2027
Upper S Fish Ladder
Modernizing the facility with volitional fish passage and sediment transport features while continuing to deliver irrigation water.
Restoring the Jocko River
The Bison Range Reach project will build about 14,300 feet of new river channel in its historical alignment and create more than 30 acres of new wetland habitat.
Slide to compare a historic view of the valley with Phase 1 construction in 2025.
Bison Range Reach Restoration
Our programs
Eight programs carry out the Compact, each with named staff you can contact directly.
All programs- Water RightsProtects the Tribes' inherent water rights and makes sure they are recognized, quantified and preserved for current and future generations.
- Water ManagementUses data-driven approaches to balance the many water needs on the Flathead Indian Reservation as demands and climate change.
- Monitoring & MeasurementQuantifies snow, surface water and groundwater on the Flathead Reservation and supports other Tribal programs and partner agencies.
- Irrigation & InfrastructurePlans and builds the rehabilitation of the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project so it delivers water more efficiently, with modern controls.
- Environmental RestorationRestores and mitigates historical and current impacts of the irrigation project on natural resources, and handles NEPA and permitting.
- Safety of DamsOversees the Reservation's 15 high-hazard dams and the BIA National Monitoring Center that monitors 141 BIA high-hazard dams.
- RoadsMaintains and builds BIA roads within the Reservation and runs the Tribal Transportation Program with the Federal Highway Administration.
- Information & EducationShares DEWR's work through maps, multimedia and outreach with schools, youth programs, universities and community groups.
Open opportunities
Open RFP
Website Redesign and Development Services
Due October 29, 2026, 4:30 p.m. MDT
“Water acts as the master regulator and lifeblood of all other natural resources. It sustains biodiversity, drives plant growth via soil, regulates regional climates, and provides the lifeblood for our subsistence fisheries and cultural resources.”
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