Looking for Gardening Inspiration?

Including a list of over 100 drought tolerant plant species, step-by-step guidance on how to transform your landscape, and information on free resources you can access here in Bozeman, the 2024 Water Smart Planting Guide has got everything you need to bring your DIY dream garden to life. Stop by the Water Conservation office to pick up a FREE paper copy, or access the Guide by clicking on the cover page image to the left.

2023 Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan

The Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan, adopted in 2023, helps pave the way for Bozeman's sustainable future. The Plan will guide Water Conservation Division efforts through 2040, and serves as a roadmap for carrying out new initiatives and tracking projected water savings across the City. Program measures include educational initiatives, incentive programs, code revisions, utility infrastructure management, and policies related to water efficient growth – all aimed at reducing water demand within the City to inform future water supply and demand management.

Water Smart Bozeman

What does Water Smart Bozeman mean? It means:

• Understanding where our water comes from
• Recognizing that there is a limited supply
• Acting to conserve it

Here at the City of Bozeman, we're dedicated to providing the tools and resources for you to make water smart decisions both inside and outside your home. 

Where Bozeman's Water Comes From

Bozeman relies on snowpack for its water supply, with 80% coming from snowmelt in the Gallatin Range, which feeds Bozeman Creek and Hyalite Creek. The other 20% comes from a developed spring at the headwaters of Lyman Creek in the Bridger Range. 

Bozeman enjoys extremely high-quality water, but quantity is limited. With only 16 inches of average annual precipitation, Bozeman is considered semi-arid and drought-prone. With shifting climate patterns, our water supplies are likely to become less reliable. More moisture is predicted to arrive as rain instead of snow in coming years, and warmer temperatures are expected, potentially leading to earlier peak flows and drier summers.

Acting to Conserve Our Water Supply

We can’t make more water. Taking action now to conserve what we have is the cheapest, most expedient, and environmentally-friendly way to thrive through drought and ensure a reliable water supply for the future. And all it takes to help is doing one thing to reduce your water use.