85-20-103. Definitions. Unless the context requires otherwise, in this part the following definitions apply:

(1) "Department" means the department of natural resources and conservation provided for in Title 2, chapter 15, part 33.

(2) "Divert" and "diversion" mean the taking or removing of water from any interstate tributary or any tributary thereof, when the water so taken or removed is not returned directly into the channel of the interstate tributary or of the tributary thereof from which it is taken.

(3) "Domestic use" means the use of water by an individual or by a family unit or household for drinking, cooking, laundering, sanitation, and other personal comforts and necessities and for the irrigation of a family garden or orchard not exceeding one-half acre in area.

(4) "Interstate tributaries" or "interstate tributary" means the following described rivers which contribute to the flow of the Yellowstone River in the state of Montana, including all tributaries thereof: the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone River; the Big Horn River (except the Little Big Horn River); the Tongue River; and the Powder River, whose confluences with the Yellowstone River are respectively at or near the city (or town) of Laurel, Big Horn, Miles City, and Terry, all in the state of Montana.

(5) "Person" means any person, corporation, partnership, association, municipal corporation, agency, and all others authorized by the laws of the state to appropriate water for beneficial uses.

(6) "Stock water use" means the use of water for livestock and poultry.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 92, L. 1953; amd. Sec. 156, Ch. 253, L. 1974; R.C.M. 1947, 89-906.