Water Quality Protection District

The Lewis and Clark County Water Quality Protection District (WQPD) serves the Helena valley and surrounding areas (WQPD map)(PDF, 4MB). Our mission is to preserve, protect, and improve water quality and quantity within the boundaries of the WQPD District. We do this by collecting stream and groundwater data, conducting investigations and outreach on local water issues, and assisting residents to better understand and manage their water resources.

WQPD Strategic Plan

TheWQPD Strategic Plan(PDF, 238KB)directs our work in three-year increments and is determined by our Board of Directors in conjunction with our staff.

Interactive Data and Mapping Site

Our water data and additional information about our projects and programs can been seen in an interactive site:

Updated Emerald-Ridge-and-Fox-View-Estates-2025-Summary-Final.pdf(PDF, 1MB)

Groundwater level interactive map link only

Grizzly Gulch Placer Mine Reclamation Project

Unionville 2023 Water Quality Study(PDF, 25MB)

New Updated Tenmile Hydrologic Outlook - Watch the signs: Groundwater,Streamflow,Snowpack, and Weather

UM_BasinConditions_20260506.pdf(PDF, 1MB) May 2026

About our Groundwater Network

WQPD Board of Directors

For more information about our Board of Directors, please visit:

WQPD Board of Directors

WQPD Resources Page

Additional WQPD Resources

2026 WellShockingGuide_LCCWQPD.pdf(PDF, 330KB)

News & Events

The next WQPD Board meeting will be on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.

Board meetings are in-person at 4:00 pm in room 72 of the Murray Building at 1930 Ninth Avenue or via Zoom, link here. Meetings are open to the public.

The free testing program for Arsenic & Uranium has ended. However, test kits to sample your private well are still available and can be picked up at our Public Health office at 1930 9th Ave (Murray Building). Call (406) 457-8584 for details.