alpenscapes
Water Efficiency
big sky water
Water Is a Limited Resource in Big Sky
Water demand increases by 160% from July to September due to outdoor water use, making irrigation the highest user of community water in the summertime.
Snowmelt is Big Sky’s water bank. It replenishes groundwater, sustains rivers and streams, and supports drinking water, recreation, agriculture, and wildlife.
But warming temperatures, shrinking snowpack, and longer drought periods are putting increasing pressure on this limited resource.
Traditional turfgrass and non-native plantings often require far more water than our climate naturally provides. In contrast, native and adaptive plants are inherently drought-tolerant and better suited to seasonal variability. Reducing turf and improving irrigation efficiency are among the most impactful steps residents can take to conserve water.
Efficient Water Use in Landscaping
Smart irrigation and thoughtful design are key to minimizing water waste.
Plan your landscape to:
- Match plants to site conditions (sun, shade, slope, soil)
- Group plants with similar water needs
- Avoid irrigating sidewalks, driveways, or roads
- Reduce turf grass and replace it with native or drought-tolerant plants
water efficiency
It's not just about what you plant, but how you water it
Efficient irrigation helps reduce water waste, support healthy root systems, and create landscapes that are better suited to Big Sky’s dry summers and variable conditions.
5 Tips for Watering Efficiently
1.) Aim for deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems.
2.) Water early in the morning (4–8 a.m.) to reduce evaporation and disease.
3.) Adjust watering times as needed by splitting cycles to improve absorption, reduce runoff, and shift schedules seasonally.
4.) Water according to plant needs by grouping similar plants together and watching for signs of stress.
5.) Test your system seasonally for leaks, clogged heads, overspray, or uneven coverage.
water efficiency
Irrigation Options
Drip Irrigation
(our preferred approach)
Best for: trees, shrubs, perennial beds, mulched areas, and smaller planting zones.
Drip irrigation is our favorite option because it delivers water slowly and directly to plant roots, reducing runoff and evaporation.
The drip system’s tubing and emitters place water only where it is needed, making drip one of the most water-efficient systems available.
Spray Systems
Best for: large, flat lawn areas.
Spray systems distribute water across foliage and lawn surfaces using rotors or pop-up spray heads.
Because they apply water quickly, spray systems can be really heavy water users if run too long.
Not all spray heads are equal. Modern rotors can be up to five times more efficient than older pop-up sprays when properly adjusted.
Hand Watering
Best for: containers, garden beds, and small areas.
Hand watering allows precise control and works well for targeted watering, though hoses can use 2–5 gallons per minute, so short, intentional watering is most effective.
water efficiency
Local Resources
Alpenscapes partner, the Gallatin River Task Force, offers resources to help you conserve water and create trout friendly landscapes.