Watering schedules are based on physical property address and apply to all residences and businesses using city water for irrigation. 

• EVEN number physical addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• ODD number physical addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
• Public Parks, private open spaces, street right-of-ways: Monday, Wednesday, Friday

Check out our Recommended Watering Schedule to help guide you on what days and for how long you should irrigate your turf grass varied by monthly average temperature and precipitation. 

In 2022, the Bozeman City Commission adopted mandatory permanent time of day and day of week outdoor watering restrictions for the use of overhead spray irrigation. Restrictions are permanently in effect as of June 16th, 2022 on a go-forward basis, every year, regardless of season and apply to all irrigation systems connected to city water for irrigation. (Note: these restrictions are different from drought-related watering restrictions that are in place only during a declared drought event).  

Exceptions to the restrictions:

1. These restrictions do not apply for the use of low-volume drip irrigation and hand watering with a watering can or hose with positive shut-off nozzle when watering the following plant types only:

• Trees
• Shrubs
• Ornamental perennials & groundcovers
• Annual flower beds & planters
• Food gardens

2. Watering with overhead spray irrigation for the sole purpose of establishing new grass from sod or seed is permitted, as needed, for 45 days after planting.  Please email waterconservation@bozeman.net to inform staff of the location that is utilizing this exemption.

3. Properties that utilize private wells for irrigation are not required to comply with permanent watering restrictions.  However, we are all affected by impacts to the water supply in Bozeman and encourage everyone to adhere to the watering restrictions.

4. Water use associated with irrigation system operation for the purposes of installation, repair, adjustments, performance assessments, and other related maintenance issues, provided that the system is attended to throughout the period of operation, is permitted as needed.

Click the following for more information:

General watering restriction information and list of FAQs

Notify City staff about cases of non-compliance:

The City is working hard to spread the word about these new permanent watering restrictions, but leading by example and communicating with your neighbors is an excellent way to make sure everybody’s on the same page. If you are concerned about a neighbor’s watering usage outside of the time of day and day of week permanent watering restrictions, please contact the City’s Water Conservation Division by submitting an online, anonymous survey notification using the provided link below.

Permanent Watering Restrictions Non-compliance Survey

Watering restriction exemptions and relaxations for special circumstances:

Exemptions and relaxations to watering restrictions for reasonable cause may be evaluated and approved by the City on a case by case basis.  To learn more about the special circumstances that may qualify for an exemption or relaxation to the permanent watering restrictions please review Administrative Order 2023-02: Outdoor Water Use Restrictions Administrative Procedures Manual.

Those interested in applying for an exemption or relaxation to permanent watering restrictions must complete and submit a Permanent Outdoor Watering Restriction Exemption and Relaxation Permit Application. For special circumstances that include criteria outlining the proposed watering schedule as part of the Application, the Irrigation System Zone Scheduling Table may be submitted.