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:

New: Groundwater level interactive map link only

Grizzly Gulch Placer Mine Reclamation Project

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

UM_BasinConditions_20250908.pdf(PDF, 966KB) September 2025

Lewis & Clark County WQPD Monitoring Networks and Projects (arcgis.com)

WQPD - Our Groundwater Storymap

WQPD Board of Directors

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

WQPD Board of Directors

WQPD Resources Page

Additional WQPD Resources

News & Events

Our September Board meeting has been canceled. The next meeting will be on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. Board meetings are hybrid, 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 WQPD still has test kits available for the Arsenic-Uranium Testing and Treatment Program. The free testing program will end December 31, 2025. This is a free program funded by ARPA dollars to offer free arsenic and uranium testing to anyone in Lewis & Clark County using a private residential well for drinking water. Test kits can be picked up at our Public Health office at 1930 9th Ave (Murray Building). Any test that is above the drinking water standard for either contaminant will make the resident eligible for a $300 rebate on a water treatment system.

We also have free Manganese test kits if you live in the WQPD boundaries. Call (406) 457-8584 for details.