Granite County Board of Commissioners on July 22 voted to increase the temporary release from Georgetown Lake to 40 cubic feet per second (CFS) to provide more water for downstream irrigators and ranchers.

The move came after multiple public commenters urged the county to push for more water. Brad (producer/resident) told the commissioners, “I was just hoping you guys would, you know, increase the outflows there.” Monica (producer) described the local impacts to livestock and hay production, saying, “So we're paying for water we're never gonna receive because the water in Flint Creek is so low. The only thing that we would be doing is giving it to the fish.” Paul (county staff member) explained current operations: “30 CFS is going through the pipe and then, yeah, being released back.”

Why it matters: downstream ranchers and irrigators reported dry stock ponds, reduced hay options and the prospect of selling cattle early if water does not come. Speakers said the timing — hot, dry weather and low creek levels — means higher releases now could prevent economic losses for farms and reduce wildfire risk by preserving green fields.

Debate and limits: commissioners and staff repeatedly said the county’s authority to change flows is limited. A county official noted that increasing releases beyond 30 CFS would require consent from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (Fish and Game), the U.S. Forest Service and other stakeholders. One county official said Fish and Game may be reluctant to approve larger releases but that the county would seek their cooperation: “We’ll see what Fish and Game says here. I’ll send out an email,” Blaine (county staff member) said during the discussion.

Decision: a motion to increase the outflow to 40 CFS was made, seconded and carried. The board recorded the motion and voiced unanimous support; a formal roll-call tally was not read aloud during the meeting. The commissioners instructed staff to contact state officials, to notify downstream water users and to pursue additional advocacy with the governor’s office and state representatives if needed.

Next steps and contingencies: staff said they will contact Fish and Game, the U.S. Forest Service and the governor’s office and will circulate updates to irrigators. Commissioners also discussed holding a public meeting next week devoted to water users and asked that Fish and Game be invited to attend. The county emphasized that releases above currently authorized flows may be constrained until required external consents are secured.

Ending: The commissioners framed the vote as an interim, week-by-week adjustment meant to relieve urgent downstream water stress while staff and local water users pursue the multi-agency approvals needed for sustained changes in release levels.