Rosewater seeks change in water-use permit

The Rosewater development aims to extend the time period it can pump water from the Whitefish River.

Currently, the water-skiing community north of Kalispell can take water from the river into its lake between April 15 and Sept. 1. It seeks to extend that window, allowing it to run from Feb. 15 to Nov. 15, and draw a total of 195.65 acre-feet per year (an acre-foot is one acre, submerged to a depth of one foot).

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has issued a preliminary determination to grant the permit. Its decision explains that this volume would allow one complete refill of the 147-acre-feet capacity lake in the event that it has to be drained for repairs, compensate for winter evaporation, and allow Rosewater to bring the lake up from its lower winter level.

Rosewater’s developer, Bill Tanner, explained that the community wanted to extend its operations window, although there was “probably not much” demand for water skiing in early spring and late fall.

He also stressed that, with its lake entirely or nearly full for much of the year, Rosewater is unlikely to use its full allotment.

The Department has issued a preliminary determination to grant the permit, available at http://dnrc.mt.gov/divisions/water/water-rights/docs/new-appropriations/public-notices/pd-30113194-76lj-ridgeline.pdf. Objections are due March 31. They must be sent on the Department’s Form 611, along with a $25 filing fee, to PO Box 201601, Helena, MT 59620-1601.