Runoff and Reservoir Quality for Livestock Use in Southeastern Montana

Abstract

Runoff and reservoir waters from the Pierre Shale Plains in southeastern Montana were fresh (< 1,000 mg/liter of TDS) to slightly saline (1,000 to 3,000 mg/liter of TDS) and were rated good to fair for livestock use. However, as water levels drop, mainly through evaporation, waters in some reservoirs could become moderately saline (3,000 to 10,000 mg/liter of TDS) and should not be used if other waters are available.