Environmental

In Montana, 'beneficial use' is a fundamental requirement of a valid water right claim under prior appropriation. This means water rights must be:

AUsed for any purpose the water rights holder chooses
BPut to a recognized beneficial use (irrigation, livestock watering, municipal, industrial, etc.) and the quantity used cannot exceed what is needed for that purpose✓ Correct
CRegistered with the federal Bureau of Reclamation only
DLimited to agricultural uses under Montana law

Explanation

Under Montana's prior appropriation doctrine, water rights require beneficial use. Water must be applied to a recognized beneficial purpose, and rights are limited to the quantity actually needed for that purpose.

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