Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority

10/01/2025

The USDA office building is currently closed due to lapse in federal government funding.
The office will reopen once Congress restores funding.
DRWA will function to the best of our ability during this time.
Contact us at [email protected] or call 406-485-DRWA if you need assistance. Thank You.

10/01/2025

09/12/2025

***ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION***
DRWA is proud to be constructing our Highway 200 W extension Phase I outside Sidney. Due to construction, there will be two road closures next week. On Monday, September 15, the Intersection of Goss Ave and Midway Street will be closed from approximately 8 am-4 pm. On Tuesday, September 16, the intersection of CR 348 and Melaney will be closed from approximately 8 am-4 pm. Please expect to take an alternate route, and thank you for your patience as we work to make this extension a reality.

07/31/2025

Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority Launches New Online Payment Portal
DRWA is pleased to announce that our new online payment portal is now live and ready for use. This updated platform is designed to make managing your utility bill more convenient and efficient.
Here’s what you can expect with the new platform:
● Instant Payments: Payments are processed immediately, ensuring your balance is updated right away, with no delays.
●Account Management: View all your utility accounts, balances, and billing details in one convenient location.
●More Payment Options: Pay your bills online, anytime, anywhere with our payment portal with a saved payment method, quick pay, pay-by-phone with a credit card, or by signing up for Auto-Pay. Your personal and payment information is securely protected and saved for you in one convenient location.
How to Get Started:
To access the new portal, visit: https://dryredwatermt.payacp.com/home
If you’re a new user, you can create an account quickly with the Web ID printed on your bill card and begin using the new features right away.
Thank you for your patience as we transition to this new system. We believe this upgrade will make managing your bills easier and more convenient!
If you are already enrolled for ACH Payments, your current ACH method will be deactivated September 1, 2025. Our previous online portal will be deactivated August 15, 2025.
Sign up today for a $10 credit on your next bill!

05/06/2025

DRWA Addresses Allegations Made By Montana Clean Water - The Roundup

Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority (DRWA) is addressing misinformation put out by Montana Clean Water. It began with a pending permit for industrial water usage from the Fort Union Formation aquifer, which some neighbors along Hwy. 200 oppose, having strong concerns for the physical availability....

05/05/2025

https://www.rangerreview.com/commentary/letter-to-the-editor-drwa-responds-to-misinformation-campaign/article_85daea1a-8275-4f99-9c8a-4830e661a828.html

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

04/29/2025

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

04/28/2025

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.

Stay tuned for updates as we move forward.

03/18/2025

🚰 We Need Your Grossest Water Samples! 🚰
Do you have discolored, murky, or just plain nasty-looking water coming out of your tap? We want to see it! Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority is collecting the worst water samples from our service area to help showcase the real need for rural water infrastructure. These samples will be displayed in our state congressional office in Washington, D.C., making a powerful statement about why reliable, clean water is essential for Eastern Montana.
💧 How to Participate:
✔️ Collect a sample of your water in a clear, sealed container.
✔️ Label it with your name, location, and a brief description.
✔️ Drop it off at one of the following locations:
McCone County Conservation District
106 10th Street
Circle, MT
Garfield County Conservation District
307 Main Street
Jordan, MT
Richland County Health Department
C/O Heather Luinstra
1201 West Holly, Suite 1
Sidney, MT
Let’s make sure our representatives see firsthand why access to clean water matters! Share this post and spread the word!

10/23/2024

Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority Project – Comments Requested:

DRWA has recently completed work with the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) on an Environmental Assessment. The draft report and all appendices can be accessed here: https://www.usbr.gov/gp/mtao/dry-redwater/

A comment period is open until November 9, 2024 and BOR is seeking input from area residents. It can easily be done by sending an email to Cody Hendrix with the BOR at [email protected]

Please consider sending a quick note to Cody and letting him know you are in support of the Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority Project.

Sometimes it helps to see what others have chosen to submit, below is an example of other positive comments we have seen about the DRWA project.

- I am not affiliated with Dry-Redwater, I am a proponent of the project, and believe it would be beneficial to our area.

- People living in rural eastern Montana do not have ample access to a quality water source in adequate quantity.

- It’s extremely expensive to clean available water sources to make them safe.

- A rural water project would allow everyone to share expenses, making quality water cost effective to everyone.

- Clean water should be a right, not a privilege.

Thank you for your support as we navigate this lengthy federal process to bring you clean, quality water.

Bureau of Reclamation - Managing water and power in the West

10/17/2024

This website contains slides and the draft Economic Assessment document from Dry-Redwater Regional Water Authority’s public meetings held this week in Billings, Jordan, and Circle, detailing the impact of the project across the five-county service area. This 75-page report is a crucial step in the federal process. The slideshow also contains tips for creating effective comment. If you would like to make a public comment on our project, please contact Cody Hendrix at [email protected]

Bureau of Reclamation - Managing water and power in the West

10/02/2024

The Bureau of Reclamation is scheduled to hold three public meetings the week of Oct. 14th to discuss the Dry-Redwater Rural Water Project with the public, federal, state, and local agencies in accordance with requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act.
- Oct. 15th, 4-6 p.m.
Bureau of Reclamation Regional Office
2900 4th Avenue North, 2nd Floor Conference Room (Conf A), Billings, Montana

- Oct. 16th, 10 a.m.-Noon
VFW Post #7886
Main Street, Jordan, Montana

- Oct. 16th, 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
McCone County Extension Building
Fairgrounds Road, Circle, Montana