Big Sky is drought-prone, meaning we experience prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, leading to water shortages in our drinking wells and rivers. The good news is, everyone can play a role in conserving water to sustain a healthy fishery, benefit river recreation, and protect our community drinking water supply. As a partner in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense® program, Gallatin River Task Force provides rebates to help homeowners save water and money on utility bills with bathroom “mini-makeovers”.

Bathrooms are the biggest water users in the home, accounting for more than half of all indoor water use. A WaterSense labeled toilet, faucet, and showerhead can save a family enough water each year to wash 11 months’ worth of laundry and reduce the amount of energy needed to heat that water—enough to run a refrigerator for 7 months.

A WaterSense bathroom mini-makeover can save a household about $150 per year in utility bills. With thousands of different models of WaterSense labeled plumbing products now available in a variety of styles, colors, and prices, the combined savings in water, sewer, and energy costs can be enough to pay for the new fixtures in as little as one year.

WaterSense labeled faucets, showerheads, and toilets are independently certified to use at least 20 percent less water than standard models while still delivering the same rinse, spray, or flushing power consumers expect. To make the switch easy and cost-effective, the Task Force is offering Big Sky residents’ rebates on water saving toilets, showerheads, and clothes washers. Call Emily at 406-993-2519 or email emily@gallatinrivertaskforce.org for more details.