importance of water management

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Big Sky’s water is primarily sourced from aquifers through water and sewer systems and individual wells and is known for its high quality. However, we have a limited supply that is heavily dependent on yearly rainfall and snowmelt. With Big Sky’s growth and our drought-prone environment, our water supply is increasingly unreliable. That’s why it’s critical that we conserve water to reduce our burden on the environment and maintain a healthy supply for our community.

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fixtures and appliances 

installing high-efficiency fixtures and appliances saves money, energy, and water without sacrificing performance. EnergyStar appliances use less energy and water than traditional models and also reduce the environmental impact. Consider upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances to decrease your energy bill and use less water. 

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implementing dual flush, low-flow toilets, or conversion kits, or low-flow shower head and faucet aerators can greatly reduce water waste and be a good first step to upgrading your appliances.

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leak detection and repair

regularly inspect your faucets, plumbing, and appliances for leaks. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, “the average household’s leaks can account for nearly 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year”, the equivalent of 300 loads of laundry. Explore leak detection systems to help identify problem areas and determine where you can save water.

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top water-saving techniques

smart water management practices greatly preserve our water sources. Making simple improvements to your daily practices and home systems can lead to decreased water use and a lower electric bill. Here are some steps you can take to minimize your water use and promote the health of our Big Sky water sources. 

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• conserve: turn off the faucet when you brush your teeth.
• monitor use: track your water usage and bill.
• fix leaks: regularly inspect for leaks and promptly fix them.
• update appliances: install high-efficiency fixtures and appliances.
• decrease irrigation: reduce irrigation frequency and improve water efficiency by installing rain sensors. 
• smart landscaping: incorporate waterwise plants that don’t require much water or maintenance. 
• rain garden: plant a rain garden to catch stormwater runoff from hard surfaces.

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for more information on how you can save water and make your home more energy-efficient, visit the WaterSense page on epa.gov.

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outdoor water-saving techniques

efficient irrigation systems

• consider implementing water-efficient irrigation systems into your landscape. These systems can be timed to avoid hot days and deliver more water directly into the ground to decrease water lost to evaporation. Smart irrigation systems with sensors can also be set to shut off when the soil doesn’t need more moisture to further optimize water use. Explore your options at Energy.gov.

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drought-tolerant landscaping

• choose native plants to Big Sky that are waterwise, drought-resistant, and fire-wise. These plants require less maintenance and water than other species because of natural adaptations that allow them to thrive in Big Sky’s climate. For optimal water usage and plant health, igroup species with similar water needs. This will help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

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electrification for water conservation

you can achieve greater efficiency and sustainability by incorporating electrification into your water management systems. Electrified water systems such as smart irrigation controllers and electric water heaters with programmable timers allow for precise control of water usage, reducing waste and lowering utility bills. These systems can be integrated with:

‍rain sensors and automated shut-off mechanisms: this will ensure that water is only used when necessary in the right amounts.

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did you know?

• fire season and summer irrigation coincide, which can increase water demand by 300% in Big Sky.
• the single-family equivalent more than doubles in the summer.
• given Big Sky’s growth, our community is set to reach our service total and is exploring ways to continue to meet our community's growing needs.

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learn more

for more strategies on reducing water use, enhancing efficiency, and supporting local water conservation efforts through innovative home design and landscaping choices, visit:

• Drought-Tolerant Landscaping - Alpenscapes
• GRTF Indoor Rebates
• GRTF Outdoor Rebates