Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation

 CSKT-Montana  Water Compact 

The CSKT-Montana Water  Compact is a Tribal-State Federal agreement that quantifies and protects the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ federally reserved water rights under the 1855 Hellgate Treaty. The Compact was approved by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, the Montana Legislature, and the United States Congress, and became effective on September 17, 2021, following approval by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. 

On May 12, 2026, the Montana Water Court approved the CSKT-Montana Water Compact, marking the completion of decades of negotiation and legal proceedings. The final decree confirms the Tribes’ water rights and establishes the legal framework for administering the water rights recognized under the Compact. 

Division of Engineering & Water Resources 

The Division of Engineering & Water Resources (DEWR) is a division of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department (CSKT NRD). DEWR was established to implement the CSKT-Montana Water Compact and support long-term stewardship and administration of Tribal water resources.  

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. 

Programs

DEWR carries out its mission through eight specialized programs that work together to implement the CSKT-Montana Water Compact, protect Tribal water rights, manage water resources, and serve Tribal members and the public. 

1. Monitoring & Measurement – Collects and manages hydrologic, groundwater, and water-use data to support informed water management decisions. 
2. Water Management & Planning – Plans, coordinates, and manages Tribal water resources and supports implementation of the Compact. 
3. Water Rights – Administers Tribal water rights and supports water rights implementation and compliance. 
4. Environmental Restoration – Restores rivers, streams, wetlands, and aquatic habitat while improving ecological function. 
5. Irrigation Infrastructure – Desings, constructs, and modernizes irrigation delivery systems and related infrastructure. 
6. Safety of Dams – Evaluates, maintains, and improves the safety and reliability or Tribal dams and water control structures. 
7. Roads – Plans, designs, constructs, and maintains transportation infrastructure that supports Tribal lands and resources. 
8. Information & Education – Provides public outreach, education, communications, and engagement on DEWR programs and the CSKT-Montana Water Compact. 

What We Do

DEWR works to implement the CSKT-Montana Water compact though engineering, science, planning, construction, operations, resource management, and public engagement. Our work includes irrigation modernization, fish passage and habitat restoration, dam safety, road improvements, water rights implementation, hydrologic monitoring, and community outreach. 

This website provides information about DEWR’s programs, current projects, public meetings, educational resources, and opportunities for community involvement. Whether you are a Tribal member, irrigator, landowner, partner agency, or community member, we invite you to explore our work and stay informed about the ongoing implementation of the CSKT-Montana Water Compact.