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We’ve heard concerns from residents about recent changes in the City’s water messaging. For several years, we talked about running out of water — and now, the message sounds more optimistic. That’s
a big shift. The truth is: we now have better data, improved forecasting tools, and have
made real progress in both conservation and water supply management.
BOZEMAN’S WATER: WHERE WE’RE AT NOW
BETTER TOOLS, BETTER UNDERSTANDING
In the past, the City used conservative, “worst-case” projections to plan for Bozeman’s water
future. Those projections assumed: 4% continuous annual growth, no new conservation or additional supply, and significant climate change impact.
While cautious and appropriate at the time, those models were static and highly conservative.
• Evaluates Bozeman’s legal and reliable water supply
monthly
• Tracks actual and projected demand from approveddevelopments• Accounts for climate impacts and land-use data rather than
assumed population growth
This approach gives the City a clearer, real-time picture of supply and demand, allowing more precise and transparent planning.
In 2023, the City completed and began using a Water Supply Optimization Tool, a dynamic model that:
WHAT WE’VE DONE TOGETHER
WHERE WE’RE GOING
Time/day watering restrictions reduce waste and help our Water Treatment Plant manage
the amount of water being treated/delivered to the community.
Landscaping standards now limit turf in new developments to 20–35% of thelandscaped area, encouraging native plants.
Non-potable irrigation now serves the Sports Park and cemetery, preserving treated waterfor homes.
Replaced aging, leaking pipes to save water and improve reliability of water deliveryto customers.
Growth has slowed to 1–2% annually, down from a pandemic peak of 6%, easing
pressure on supply.
Bozeman remains a drought-prone community in a closed basin, and that will never change. But
through conservation and better tracking/monitoring of our supply, we’re managing our water more
effectively. We will continue improving, adapting, and communicating openly as our water supply changes.
Learn more about our 50-year plan for our water supply: engage.bozeman.net/iwrp
Screenshot of the Water Supply Optimization Tool.