BILLINGS — In Montana, water is as valuable as gold, and a new law aims to make sharing it easier.

The law took effect in October and allows short-term leasing of water, letting water holders temporarily share their supply without permanently giving up their rights.

Watch supporters discuss the new law: New law lets Montanans lease water rights short-term, aiming to ease shortages

The sponsor of the bill, Sen. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, calls it a good neighbor bill that encourages cooperation among water users.

"It allows people who hold a water right to help out their neighbor should the situation arise where they need water," Vinton said. "It’s top of mind for everyone in our state."

MTN News

The measure is an update to a previous 2013 leasing program originally created to support

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