Operative Text
(1) The establishment shall always provide an adequate and potable supply of water, as approved by the local regulatory authority. (2) If an existing public water supply of satisfactory quantity and pressure is available, and the owner of the public water system agrees to provide service, connection must be made to the public water system and its supply used exclusively except for non-potable water uses approved by the department in writing. (3) Public water supply systems must be approved by the Department of Environmental Quality and meet the requirements of ARM 17.38.101 et seq., or, if applicable, must be approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (4) Non-public water supply systems must meet the requirements of Food and Consumer Safety (FCS) Circular 1, 2016 edition. (5) For campgrounds, the local regulatory authority, upon consultation with the department, may allow a variance from the requirements of (1) for a potable water supply upon demonstration by the applicant that the deviation does not have the potential to cause adverse public health effects. The applicant must submit a plan that demonstrates that the public is informed of the absence of a potable water supply, and that the public is warned that the existing water in the area is not suitable for drinking or other uses that may adversely affect public health. This deviation will be noted on the establishment license.
Mont. Admin. R. 37.111.1207 requires that lodging and campground establishments maintain a safe, adequate water supply at all times, with approval from the local regulatory authority. Where a public water system is accessible and willing to provide service, the establishment must connect to it and use it as the exclusive potable source. Non-public systems must meet state or federal standards, and campgrounds may apply for a variance if they can demonstrate no public health risk and properly inform visitors that potable water is unavailable.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Mont. Admin. R. 37.111.1207, operators of establishments subject to this rule are generally expected to secure and maintain an approved potable water supply, connecting to a public water system whenever one is available and the provider agrees to service. If a public connection is not feasible, the non-public system must comply with FCS Circular 1 (2016 edition) or applicable DEQ and EPA standards. Campground operators seeking relief from the potable water requirement must apply for a formal variance, submit a public-notification plan, and have any approved deviation noted on the establishment license.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Mont. Admin. R. 37.111.1207 establishes that guests and residents of regulated establishments have a baseline right to access an adequate, potable water supply that meets state or federal approval standards. If a campground is operating under a variance that permits the absence of potable water, the establishment is required to post clear public warnings so that visitors are informed before using the water. Individuals who believe a facility is not meeting these water supply requirements may raise the concern with the local regulatory authority or the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, or consult a tenant- or consumer-rights organization for guidance on next steps.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 26, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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