In January, the Montana Department of Health and Human Services announced a rule change aimed at reducing water waste from spa drainage in hotel rooms and short-term rentals. Spearheaded by Big Sky Resort, this initiative is part of the resort’s ambitious ForeverProject commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030. The rule change was also supported by the Gallatin River Task Force and Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization, highlighting the power of our local collaborations.
Previously, hot tubs in short-term rentals were drained after each guest’s departure, regardless of whether they were used or not. Under the new regulations, this practice is no longer mandatory. Instead, hot tubs are required to undergo regular cleaning and sanitization, with a focus on maintaining proper water chemistry between guest stays. This more sustainable approach is expected to yield substantial water savings.
This change is set to save 7 to 8 million gallons of water annually within the Big Sky community. By reducing the amount of water drained unnecessarily, the region will conserve valuable groundwater that can instead be used for essential purposes like drinking water and maintaining healthy stream flows. Additionally, this rule change will result in lower utility costs for both water usage and heating, offering economic savings alongside the water conservation benefits.
Amy Fonte, Sustainability Specialist at Big Sky Resort, praised the initiative.
“This rule change is a significant milestone in the resort’s conservation efforts. It demonstrates the real environmental impact that thoughtful policy changes can have, saving millions of gallons of water annually. It also shows the power of local organizations coming together to implement sustainable solutions.”
While the new rule does not completely eliminate spa drainage, it offers more flexibility in maintenance schedules, especially when hot tubs have not been used. This adjustment eliminates the wasteful practice of draining water from tubs that are still in good condition.
Jess Olson, Conservation Manager at the Gallatin River Task Force, emphasized the importance of the rule change for water conservation.
“Assuming weekly turnover, a single hot tub could use close to 8,000 gallons of water over winter. This is a huge win for water conservation as we work to keep our community thriving and the Gallatin River flowing strong.”
Though the rule change has immediate impacts on Big Sky, its influence will extend to other Montana communities and river systems. The new regulation sets an important precedent for sustainable water use in hospitality and tourism industries.
By taking this step, Big Sky Resort and its partners have demonstrated that small changes, when implemented at a large scale, can lead to meaningful environmental benefits for communities, ecosystems, and future generations.
