Environmental
Montana's prior appropriation water law means that in a drought year, a rancher with a water right senior to their neighbor's right:
AMust share available water equally with all other water users
BCan use their full water right while junior rights holders may receive less or no water✓ Correct
CMust get state approval before using any irrigation water
DHas no priority since water belongs to everyone
Explanation
Montana's prior appropriation doctrine ('first in time, first in right') means that in times of shortage, senior water rights holders can use their full allocation before junior rights holders receive any water. This makes the date of appropriation critical in Montana ranch and agricultural real estate.
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