City of Bozeman Water Smart 2023

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

WATER SMART INDOOR GUIDE

for the Bozeman Area with Water and Energy Saving Tips

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM

Water Smart Bozeman

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

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.

Use this guide to get water smart — with tips and inspiration to help you save water and energy. Then, take advantage of the City of Bozeman’s water conservation incentives to transform your house into a water saving home. For more, visit bozemanwater.com.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where Bozeman’s Water Comes From

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.

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’s Limited Water Supply

The drought declaration in 2021 taught us a lot about shifting climate patterns that affect our reliable water supply. More moisture is arriving as rain instead of snow, and warmer temperatures are expected, leading to earlier peak stream flows and drier summers. Without water conservation, Bozeman could be facing a water shortage within the next 10 years. The City’s Water Conservation Division is dedicated to guiding residents on how they can save water by using it more efficiently–inside and out–creating the single largest source of water for Bozeman’s future.

What About Drought?

Drought is a very real thing here in Bozeman and not just in the summer. Reduced snowpack during our winter months could result in insufficient water supplies for spring, summer, and into the following fall and winter. We actively monitor for drought all year long and we want you to be prepared and in the know on Bozeman’s drought on a yearround basis.

The City monitors for drought throughout the winter, in part, by collecting data on snowpack levels measured at SNOTEL sites in the Gallatin and Bridger Mountain Ranges. SNOTEL sites measure the amount of liquid water found within the snowpack, which is referred to as Snow Water Equivalent (SWE). SWE can serve as an indication of the amount of water we can expect to replenish our local water supply from snow melt during the spring and summer months. Monitoring local stream and snowpack levels is important because in years where we receive little snow and warm spring temperatures lead to early peak season runoff, this data could serve as an early indicator that Bozeman may be experiencing drought conditions.

Future climate projections indicate that Bozeman is likely to experience decreased snowpack levels and warmer seasonal temperatures. This may lead to more moisture arriving as rain instead of snow and earlier spring snowmelt, which in turn, could lead to hotter and drier summers in Bozeman.

GOOD NEWS, WE HAVE A PLAN

The City of Bozeman put the 2017 Drought Management Plan to use during the 2021 drought declaration. The Plan provides a framework for monitoring drought conditions, implementing drought stages and enacting response measures to ensure the City has water available for essential uses during times of shortage. As we saw in 2021, when a drought is declared in the City, residents and businesses may be required to reduce water use to ensure that we maintain a healthy water supply at every stage.

In 2022, the Plan was updated to include improvements to the City's preparation and response to drought events. This includes revising the drought declaration process to allow for more timely drought response, and revising drought monitoring practices to better capture local water supply availability at any given time, while maintaining flexibility to respond to each unique drought event in order to most effectively protect water supply availability.

To learn more about the Drought Management Plan, drought stages, and what happens during a declared drought, visit bozemanwater.com.

WHAT CAN I DO NOW?

Even when we aren’t in a declared drought stage, conserving water year-round – indoors and out – and as a normal practice is our best defense against drought and is essential in helping to ensure a stable water supply for our future. Even upgrading your fixtures and appliances to high-efficiency models will help. Doing one thing makes a difference. Visit bozemanwater.com and click on the water conservation button for information about rebates, tips, kits, and other ways to save.

Water Smart Bozeman

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. All it takes to help is doing one thing to reduce your water use.

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE

In big ways and small, we can all do one thing to conserve Bozeman’s limited water supply. When it comes to reducing water use in your home, your one thing may be taking shorter showers, or turning off the water when you brush your teeth. Or maybe it’s fixing a leaky toilet or replacing it with a high-efficiency model.

Whether big or small, know that by doing one thing, you’re making a difference.

INCENTIVES

Saving water also means saving money. Cash in on your water smarts through our many rebate programs and free product offerings. Start with our FREE Fix-A-Leak Kit or check out our indoor rebates and incentives for both residential and commercial properties at bozemanwater.com.

TIPS TO CONSERVE

You can be water smart anywhere — indoors, outdoors, at home, or at your business. While this guide is dedicated to tips for indoor residential water conservation, our website bozemawater.com is the source for water smart ideas for everything from efficient irrigation schedules to commercial urinals.

We're Doing Our Part

ENGAGEMENT

The City of Bozeman has created a variety of community water conservation programs for everyone to participate in together.

HERE ARE A FEW:

· FREE Kits*. Available for City of Bozeman water customers.

· Fix-A-Leak Kit. Comes with basic items and instructions to find and fix leaks inside your home.

· Kids Activity Kits. Pick up a Shower Better or Brush Better Kit, along with the kids activity sheet to make conservation fun and educational. The activity sheets can also be found on pages 14 and 15 in this guide.

· Shower Better Showerhead Swap Program. Bring us your old showerhead and we will give you a FREE high-efficiency showerhead for your shower.*

· Fix a Leak Week. In March we partner with EPA's WaterSense organization to educate the community about leak repair.

· Commercial Site Visits. If you own or operate a business using City water, we can help you save water and money. Find out more on page 13 of this guide or visit bozemanwater.com

· Water Smart Planting Guide for the Bozeman Area. Each spring we create and distribute this guide full of outdoor water saving tips, rebates, plant lists, and a DIY Water Smart Landscape Makeover Guide.

· Dropcountr App. Track your water use and find more ways to save around your house by registering for Dropcountr on your computer or downloading the app. Visit bozemanwater.com for links and more information.

Visit bozemanwater.com for more water conservation information, tips, rebates, and incentives. Plus visit bozeman.net/ sustainability for home energy saving tips.

The City of Bozeman is leading by example with these Water Smart efforts:

Bozeman Senior Center

In December of 2016, the Bozeman Senior Center was retrofitted with high-efficiency toilets and faucets. Since this bulk retrofit, the Senior Center has reduced water use by 54% and has saved an average of 180,000 gallons of water annually.

City Facilities

To decrease the volume of water used for hand-washing, all City facility lavatory faucets have been retrofitted with 0.5 GPM aerators, which is estimated to reduce hand washing water usage by nearly 80%.

Water Distribution System

The City proactively identifies and repairs leaky pipes on an annual basis along with providing recommendations to control water loss. Although some amount of leakage is inherent in any water distribution system, the City is making water distribution system efficiency a priority.

Bozeman Public Safety Center (BPSC)

Completed in 2022, the BPSC is outfitted with high-efficiency WaterSense® toilets and urinals. Faucets have high-efficiency aerators and consume only 0.5 gallons of water per minute. For energy efficiency, the BPSC has a high-performance exterior envelope which aids in maintaining clean air and a consistent interior temperature.

Indoor Efficiency and the Cost of Water

Let's face it, water costs money. But it isn't just the water that comes out of your faucet that you pay for. Water costs you money when you turn on the faucet, when it goes down the drain (sewer and waste water), and for energy used to heat water. Being efficient with water pays in savings on utility bills.

There are many things that you can do to begin saving water inside your home. On the following pages we’ve put together information about fixing leaks, replacing inefficient fixtures and appliances, along with other tips and incentives to help you begin your journey towards indoor water-use efficiency.

You can also register for Dropcountr on your computer or download the app to track your water use and find more ways to save around your house throughout the year. Visit bozemanwater.com for links and information about Dropcountr.

INDOOR HOUSEHOLD WATER USE BY FIXTURE

Reading and Understanding Your Utility Bill and Water Usage

Your utility bill provides you with a monthly snapshot of charges incurred with the City of Bozeman for water, sewer, stormwater, and garbage/solid waste collection. Monitoring your water consumption will help you save money and water, benefiting your pocketbook and our community water supply.

The City of Bozeman charges for water based on monthly usage but takes into consideration the type of water customer that you are. Single household water rates are based on usage and a simple tier structure. Bottom line, if you are a single household residential customer, the more water you use, the more you will pay for each drop. To learn more about water service charges and rate class tiers, check out the How to Read Your Utility Statement guide at bozemanwater.com.

HOW DOES DROUGHT AFFECT MY UTILITY BILL?

During times of drought the City may implement restrictions on water use. Drought surcharges, which are aligned with water availability, may also go into effect when a drought stage is recommended by City management and declared by the City Manager. For more information about drought visit bozemanwater.com.

*Available

Pleasedonotstaplechecktothepaymentcoupon.

For information on how to read your utility statement, understand monthly and historical water usage, charges per usage tier, drought surcharges, and more, visit bozemanwater.com and download the guide.

Leaks and Finding Them Leaks

WHAT'S IN A LEAK?

10% of homes within the United States have leaks that can waste about 90 gallons of water per day. On average, 13% of annual indoor residential water use is attributed to leaks. Identifying and fixing leaks in our home can lead to big water savings.

HOW DO I FIND LEAKS?

Leaks can be found throughout your home and some require just a simple fix like a worn toilet flapper, loose pipe connection, or a drippy faucet. Some leaks may require a bit more work or a licensed plumber to fix, but the first step is to find those water-wasting leaks.

Here’s a list of common areas to check:

· Toilets: Listen for running water and do the Toilet Dye Tab Leak Test (see page 8).

· Faucets in bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and basements, listen and watch for drips when the faucet is turned off.

A faucet dripping at the rate of one drip/second can waste more than 3,000 gal. of water/year.

A shower leaking at 10 drips/minute wastes more than 500 gal. of water/year.

10% of homes have leaks that waste 90 gal. of water or more/day.

· Showerheads: Listen and watch for drips when the shower is off. Also look for drips or stray sprays when on.

· Bathtub: Listen and watch for drips when the faucet is turned off. Also look for dripping water from the faucet when the shower is on.

· Under sinks: Check for pooling or dripping water under and around pipes.

· Sink sprayer: Check for drips and clogged spray openings.

· Appliances: Check for pooling water under dishwashers, refrigerators with ice makers, and clothes washers.

· Water heaters: Check beneath the tank for pooling water, rust, or other signs of leaks.

30 drips/min. wastes 125 gal. of water/month.

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

60 drips/ min. wastes 250 gal. of water/month.

120 drips/min. wastes 500 gal. of water/month.

· Tub spouts: Check for water trickling through the tub spout while the shower is running.

Some leaks may be out of sight but will leave tell-tale indicators such as mold or water damage on your walls, ceilings, or floors. This could be a sign of a leaky or broken pipe. These types of leaks may require the attention of a professional.

Other ways to watch for leaks include monitoring your water usage by registering for Dropcountr or checking your utility bill each month. In the winter months when we aren’t watering our lawns and gardens, a spike in your water consumption over the previous month could mean you have a leak.

FREE Fix-A-Leak KIT

The City offers FREE Fix-A-Leak kits that are equipped with the tools you need to get started identifying and fixing leaks.

Kit Contents:

· Valve stem bib washer assortment pack

· O-ring assortment package for most faucet types

· Plumbers silicone waterproof grease (food safe)

· Teflon tape · Drip vial/rain gauge · Toilet dye tablets

· 5-minute shower timer · Faucet aerator Visit bozemanwater.com for more info.

HOW DO I FIX MY LEAKS?

Visit bozemanwater.com for tips and pick up a FREE Fix-A-Leak Kit from our office or call a licensed plumbing professional. Our Fix-A-Leak Kits contain the basic tools you need to help identify and potentially repair faucet and showerhead leaks. Please note that some newer bathroom and kitchen faucets feature internal components that make leak repair less straightforward. Rather than using a Fix-A-Leak Kit to repair these sorts of leaks, replacing the entire unit may be an easier approach. For simple toilet and faucet leaks, review the following pages for more information.

Doing Your Own Repairs

DIY plumbing projects often involve repairing leaky pipes, installing new supply lines, replacing faucet fixtures, and more. And with a few good tools and a little bit of patience, it's easy to repair basic plumbing fixtures. But remember: all plumbing jobs are not created equal. It's important to know when to ask for help and employ the assistance of a licensed plumbing professional.

TIPS:

❏ Before doing any plumbing repair or work, know the location of the master shut-off valve for your home's water supply.

❏ Turn off the shut-off valve for the fixture you are repairing or replacing. If there is no shut-off valve, ensure the house master valve is off.

❏ Use penetrating oil or WD-40 to help loosen frozen bolts and valves.

❏ Perform home repairs during hours when hardware stores are open so you can purchase parts and tools when needed.

❏ Take note of the order in which you disassemble faucets or any plumbing fixture. (Hint: take a photo.)

❏ Plug drains for faucet and showerhead repairs so that parts don’t fall down the drain.

HAVE THE BASIC TOOLS READY:

❏ Screwdrivers – both flat and Phillips-head

❏ Channel lock pliers

❏ Adjustable wrench

❏ Hex-key wrenches (these are often included with repair kits for ball type faucets)

❏ Teflon tape

❏ Bowl or bucket to catch draining water

❏ Safety goggles

❏ City Fix-A-Leak Kit

❏ Drain auger (snake) for clogged pipes

❏ Take your old parts to the hardware store when purchasing replacements. It will help you locate exactly what you need.

❏ When tightening or loosening plumbing parts such as supply tubing, use two wrenches: one to hold the fitting stationary and the other to turn.

❏ Never apply Vaseline® or other petroleum-based oils as plumbing grease — it will break down rubber gaskets, O-rings, and other seals over time. Food safe silicone grease is an excellent lubricant and it is included in our FREE Fix-A-Leak Kit.

Place a bucket or bowl underneath the area of pipe you are repairing. This way, you can catch any water than might seep out of the pipes during your repair.

In DIY mode? Why not look at other ways you can make your home more efficient. Check out ENERGY STAR® rated options for lighting, home appliances, or heating and cooling systems.

For more information visit www.bozeman.net/sustainability.

Leaky Toilets

Did you know that toilets can be the highest water-using fixture in your home even when they aren't leaking? In an average home, toilets account for 24% of indoor water consumption. Older, inefficient toilets can use as much as 5-7 gallons per flush and can be a major source of wasted water in many older homes.

A RUNNING TOILET IS A LEAKING TOILET

If your flapper seal is leaking or other parts are not working efficiently, you may have a silent leak.

To find out, do the Toilet Dye Tab Leak Test: Pick up free blue toilet dye tabs at the Water Conservation Division office. Drop a single non-toxic dye tab into the tank at the back of your toilet and wait for 15 minutes. Be sure that you do not flush your toilet during this time. If the blue dye shows up in the bowl, you have a leak. Make sure to flush afterward to avoid staining from the dye. Consider replacing your old toilet flapper if it is worn or torn. Please note, this works for gravity–fed tank–style toilets only. It won't work with pressure assist toilets, urinals, or flushometers.

TOILET DYE TAB LEAK TEST INSTRUCTIONS

Follow these four steps to perform a toilet leak test. If your toilet has a leak, contact a licensed plumber to investigate and repair.

STEP 1

Remove the tank lid on the toilet.

STEP 2

Place a non-toxic dye tab into the tank at the back of your toilet.

REPLACING A TOILET FLAPPER

Did you know? Toilet flappers wear out and should be replaced every five years. A worn flapper is the leading cause among leaking toilets and can waste up to 200 gallons of water per day.

The flapper is the flush valve seal that controls the volume of water passing from the tank to the bowl during the flush cycle. The rubber flapper can deteriorate and leak but can easily be replaced.

To replace, find your toilet manufacturers website and determine the correct flapper part number and retail source or take the existing flapper to the hardware store to find a matching replacement.

· To remove and replace your toilet flapper, first turn off the water to the toilet.

· Disconnect the chain from the trip lever arm and slip the ears of the flapper off of the ears of the flush valve.

· Slide your finger over the seating surface of the flush valve. If the surface is rough, use 400 grit wet or dry sandpaper to lightly clean the entire surface. Repeat the process until the surface is smooth.

· For toilets with a flat, washer-like seal type of flapper, simply slip it off the piston or other holding device, and replace it with a new one.

· After installing your new flapper, do the Toilet Dye Tab Leak Test once again to ensure the leak has been fixed.

STEP 3

Replace lid and wait 15 minutes. Do not flush the toilet during this time.

STEP 4

Check bowl. If dye color shows up, you have a leak. Be sure to flush afterward to avoid staining. Turn off the water to the toilet.

Disconnect the chain and slip the ears of the flapper off of the ears of the flush valve.

Attach the new flapper to the ears.

Reattach the chain to the tank lever. Adjust the chain length as needed to ensure a tight seal.

Turn water back on and flush. Do the Toilet Leak Test to see if leak is fixed.

Remove the toilet tank cover and flush.

SMART BOZEMAN. The City of Bozeman wants to help stop toilet leaks by offering FREE toilet flappers.

Replacing Your Toilet

REPLACING YOUR TOILET

Replacing your toilet with a high-efficiency model can help save up to 25 gallons of water per day. Plus you can save money on the purchase of a high-efficiency toilet by taking advantage of the City of Bozeman's Toilet Rebate Program (visit bozemanwater.com for the application).

Every toilet manufacturer provides their own specific instructions for DIY toilet installation and it is important to follow their instructions in order to ensure that your toilet will function correctly. If you're ever unsure about installation, its best to contact a professional. Before you start your DIY toilet replacement, consider the following:

ROUGH-IN

Not all toilets are the same. Make sure to measure the distance from the flange bolts (the bolts that anchor your toilet to the floor) to the wall behind your existing toilet. This is the rough-in. Common roughin measurements are 10, 12, or 14 inches.

CHOOSING A TOILET

Check the WaterSense® labeled list to find a toilet that qualifies for the City of Bozeman's Toilet Rebate Program.

ARE YOU WORRIED ABOUT HOW IT WILL PERFORM?

Look for the EPA WaterSense® label. A WaterSense® toilet is third party tested to ensure it works equal to or better than its less efficient counterparts, while also reducing water use by 20% or more. Keep a look out for its MaP score to determine how well your toilet eliminates solid waste. The higher the MaP score, the more solid waste the toilet is equipped to flush. A score of 500 or higher provides superior flush performance.

WANT TO SAVE EVEN MORE WATER?

Ultra-efficient toilets consume as little as just 0.8 gallons per flush while still providing the same power as a standard high-efficiency model. But don't just take our word for it, check out the MaP score and see for yourself! Enjoy more water and cash savings by installing an ultra-efficient toilet in your home.

TOILET ANATOMY

BASIC TOOLS NEEDED FOR REPLACING A TOILET

Adjustable wrench, pliers, bucket, old rag/towel (or other fabric you don't mind throwing away), level, wax ring (often included with new toilet purchase), caulk gun, silicone sealant, putty knife.

REPLACEMENT PREP:

1. Always first turn off the supply line and initially flush your toilet to empty tank water. Check to make sure no water is re-filling the tank.

2. Grab a bucket and drain excess tank water by disconnecting the water supply line and fill valve. Then remove the toilet tank by loosening the bolts underneath the tank.

3. Remove toilet bowl by unscrewing the hardware that mounts it to the flange ring. Use the putty knife to scrape away any wax stuck to the flange.

4. Once the toilet is removed, place an old rag or other fabric inside the mounting flange. This will ensure no hazardous gases are released from the sewer pipe.

5. Before replacing your toilet, make sure the mounting flange ring is not rusted. Old toilets are especially prone to this. If this is the case, sand off rust before mounting new toilet. If corrosion has occurred, replace the the flange ring before continuing.

6. Ensure that the subfloor and mounting flange are level. An uneven mounting surface will prevent the wax ring from seating properly onto the flange, which can lead to leaking over time.

7. When you are ready to begin installing your new toilet, remove the rag from the mounting flange and discard.

8. To install your new toilet, follow manufacturers instructions.

Faucets and Showerheads

Save More in Your Bath and Kitchen

In the average home, faucets account for 20% of indoor water use. Simple water using habits can be adjusted to help reduce your daily water use. These may seem like small changes, but they can make a big difference over time.

TIPS FOR YOUR BATHROOM:

❏ Replace your showerhead with a WaterSense® labeled model. It's a simple project that can help the average family save nearly 40 gallons of water per week.

❏ Turn off the tap while shaving or brushing teeth.

❏ Shorten your shower by 5 minutes and save 0.5+ gallons per minute. Keep track of time by picking up a free 5 minute shower timer from the City's Water Conservation Division office.

❏ While you're waiting for your shower water to heat up, place a bucket under the spray. Save the collected cooled water for a pet or for watering house plants.

SHOWERHEADS

Replacing your showerhead is a simple five minute project that can help you save an average of 10,000 gallons per year.

FREE SHOWERHEADS

The City of Bozeman will swap out your inefficient showerhead with a new WaterSense® labeled high-efficiency, polished chrome showerhead for FREE! Be sure to bring your old showerhead with you to receive your new showerhead. To qualify, you must be a City of Bozeman water customer.

SHOWERHEAD REBATE

FREE is great, but if you want to pick out your own showerhead, the City will give you up to a $20 rebate for a new one. Visit bozemanwater.com and fill out the Bozeman Showerhead Rebate Program form. Showerheads must be new, WaterSense® labeled, and connected to City of Bozeman water. Rebate amount cannot exceed the cost of the showerhead.

INSTALLING YOUR NEW SHOWERHEAD

Simply unscrew your old showerhead, remove any old Teflon tape from the pipe thread, apply new Teflon tape around the pipe threading for a tight seal, and twist on your new WaterSense® showerhead.

WATER SMART BOZEMAN. City of Bozeman REBATE PROGRAM

INSTALL A HIGH EFFICIENCY SHOWERHEAD

Save up to 40 gallons of water/week. For more info, visit bozemanwater.com.

TIPS FOR THE KITCHEN:

❏ Install high-efficiency faucets and/or faucet aerators to minimize faucet water-use.

❏ Plug up the sink or use a wash basin if washing dishes by hand.

❏ Use a dishwasher — and when you do, make sure it's fully loaded!

❏ Scrape your plate instead of rinsing it before loading it into the dishwasher.

❏ Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of letting the faucet run until the water is cool.

❏ Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator overnight rather than using a running tap of warm water.

❏ Add food wastes to your compost pile instead of using the garbage disposal.

FAUCET AERATORS

When installed properly, faucet aerators can save an average family more than 500 gallons of water per year. A faucet aerator introduces air into the water faucet stream, which decreases the overall amount of water flowing out of the faucet at any given time without reducing pressure. This not only helps achieve a splash-free faucet stream but saves you cash while you're at it.

Installing a faucet aerator is a simple project that should only take a few minutes but can have a huge impact on your water usage. You can use your fingers to simply screw a faucet aerator onto the tip of your faucet to start saving!

Some newer and fancier faucets, like waterfall style faucets, don't have threads to install aerators. While these faucets can pour out over three gallons of water per minute, you can still make some changes to reduce the water use. Simply install flow restricting valves at the water supply line.

Replacing your faucet aerators or installing flow restricting valves are easy DIY projects and can cost less than $10 to do.

FREE FAUCET AERATORS

The City of Bozeman has free 0.5 GPM and 1.0 GPM faucet aerators for residences connected to and using City of Bozeman water. Aerators are dual thread and fit most male and female threaded faucets. Stop by our office at 7 E. Beall St., Suite 100 to pick up your free aerator and call 406.582.3220 for up-to-date hours of availability.

More Water Saving Opportunities

It's easy to look at the bathroom and kitchen as the place to save water indoors, but don't forget about other home appliances and fixtures that use water.

CLOTHES WASHERS

The average family washes almost 400 loads of laundry each year. Conventional clothes washers use about 40 gallons of water per load — this can add up to 16,000 gallons of water per year. Highefficiency washers use 14 gallons of water per load or less (some use only 7!), which can provide a water savings of between 10,000 to 13,000 gallons per year when compared to conventional clothes washers. Check out our rebate offers and get up to $150 to upgrade your inefficient clothes washer with one that meets the CEE Tier specifications.

WATER SAVING TIPS

❏ If you have an older, less efficient, clothes washer, adjust the water level to match the amount needed for the load. Most newer efficient models do this automatically.

❏ Always wash full loads when doing laundry.

❏ When it’s time to replace your clothes washer, choose a high-efficiency washer with a low water factor. The lower the water factor, the more efficient the clothes washer. Many well performing models have water factors below 4.0 — look for the lowest water factor available or a clothes washer that meets the CEE Tier specifications.

REBATEUPTO $150*

City of Bozeman REBATE PROGRAM

INSTALL A HIGH

in your home and save up to 120 gallons of water per week.

DOING ONE THING MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FIND OUT MORE AT BOZEMANWATER.COM

WATER HEATERS

One of the largest opportunities to use less hot water is to conserve your water use throughout your home as we've shared in this guide. Not only does conserving water decrease your water bill, but using less hot water can decrease the amount of energy needed to heat the water. Water heaters make up around 20% of home energy costs and can be a good place to start your water saving mission.

If considering a new water heater for your home, select an efficient model along with a size that will provide enough hot water while maximizing efficiency. Learn more about selecting a water heater by visiting bozeman.net/sustainability

WATER SAVING TIPS

❏ Check your water heater for leaks.

❏ Consider installing a recirculating hot water delivery system. Recirculating hot water delivery systems provide nearly instant hot water. This reduces water wasted by decreasing the amount of time the water is running while waiting for the hot water to get from the heater to the faucet.

❏ According to the 2016 Water Research Foundation Residential End Uses of Water Study; homes with hot water recirculating systems used about 12 percent less water for faucets than those without these systems.

❏ Water loses heat while traveling through your pipes, which means more wasted cold water down the drain. Insulate hot water piping to keep the water hotter and get more hot water to the point of use quicker.

If your water heater is reaching the end of its life, consider a replacement before you find yourself scrambling to replace it when it breaks. Explore ENERGY STAR® rated water heater options to reduce your energy use and save money.

Heat pump water heaters, also known as hybrid electric water heaters, are one of the most energy efficient options on the market today. These units move heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly. Heat pump water heaters typically use two- to three-times less energy than a conventional electric water heater.

Learn more about heat pump water heaters and other options at www.bozeman.net/sustainability.

WATER SMART BOZEMAN.

EFFICIENCY CLOTHES WASHER

Water and Plumbing Pipes

Freezing Pipes

When the water runs, it's easy to forget that water can quickly turn to ice. And when water freezes, it expands, adding pressure to pipes and any container that it is in. Here in Bozeman's colder winter climate, all homes and buildings are susceptible to freezing pipes.

Frozen and burst pipes can waste water, and money, especially if you are not home when it happens. Preparing your home for winter, or even long absences, can be a smart move.

When it comes to heating and cooling, take a whole-home approach to keep your home healthy and comfortable all while saving on your energy bills!

TIGHTEN UP

If the outer shell of your house is tight, warm air will stay inside during the winter months, keeping not just you, but your pipes warm too.

❏ Weatherstrip around the top, sides, and bottoms of doors.

MOST COMMON PIPES IN YOUR HOME THAT CAN FREEZE:

❏ Any pipes exposed directly to severe cold such as hose bibs.

❏ Pipes that run against poorly insulated exterior walls.

❏ Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, attics, and garages.

TIPS TO AVOID FREEZING PIPES:

❏ Set a stable home temperature well above 32 degrees.

❏ Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.

❏ Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces.

❏ Check for areas where water supply lines may be located in unheated areas such as garages and even under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

❏ Consider installing pipe sleeves or UL-listed heat tape, heat cable, or similar materials on exposed pipes.

❏ Keep garage doors closed.

❏ When extra low temperatures are forecasted, keep kitchen and bathroom sink cabinets open.

❏ Download the Dropcountr app and sign up for leak alerts. This way, you'll be alerted to potential leaks in real time, even when you're not home.

❏ Close all crawl space vents until the spring time to keep cold drafts away from exposed pipes.

❏ Add insulation in attics, basements, and crawl spaces to keep heat from escaping your living space.

❏ Find spots where cold air from the outside can leak in (around windows, basements, attics, etc.) and air seal these areas with caulk.

❏ Upgrade windows.

KEEP UP WITH YOUR HVAC

Learn about your HVAC system and ways to increase energy efficiency and home comfort.

❏ Use a programmable thermostat or manually adjust settings for the nighttime and times when you are out of the house.

❏ Do routine maintenance on your HVAC system including cleaning your ducts and changing your air filter regularly.

❏ If you are considering upgrading your system or adding air conditioning, explore energy efficient options. Heat pumps are a great all-in-one solution for heating and cooling.

❏ If your home has ductwork, adding insulation and air sealing can prevent conditioned air from leaking out.

For more information visit www.bozeman.net/sustainability.

Water Conservation and Your Business

Commercial customers account for 24% of total annual city-wide water use. By working with the City to adopt efficient water use practices and fixtures, businesses can reduce water use and bills.

If you own or operate a business using City water, we can help you save water and money. Hotels and multi-family buildings can reduce water use by up to 50% per guest room or living unit, and restaurants can reduce indoor water use by up to 40%. No matter the business

type, we can provide you with customized guidance to reduce water usage in your workplace.

The City of Bozeman also offers FREE products to commercial customers, including pre-rinse spray nozzles for your commercial kitchen, faucet aerators, showerhead replacements, and more. Visit bozemanwater.com for more information.

Participate in water conservation efforts with the City of Bozeman and enroll your business in the Gallatin Watershed Business Stewards Program.

BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING:

· Reduced water use and lower water utility bills.

· Become a community leader in water use efficiency.

· Get connected with the Gallatin Watershed Council Business Stewards program.

· Gain recognition across City media platforms to highlight your water conservation efforts.

ACCESS TO FREE RESOURCES:

· Free site visit with City of Bozeman Water Conservation staff to receive - a water use fixture inventory, - recommendations to increase water efficiency, - information on available water fixture rebates, and - a customized ROI spreadsheet.

· Free on-site sprinkler system assessment with the City of Bozeman Water Conservation staff to receive - a report identifying system repair needs, - opportunities for increased efficiency, and - a customized watering schedule.

CUSTOMIZED REBATES TO HELP MEET UNIQUE NEEDS OF BUSINESSES

FREE FIXTURES AND EFFICIENCY REBATES:

· Free showerheads (or $20 rebate per showerhead).

· Free faucet aerators.

· Free pre-rinse spray valves.

· Tank type toilet rebates (up to $125 per toilet).

· Flushometer toilet rebates (up to $200 per toilet).

· Urinal rebates (up to $300 per urinal).

· Clothes washer rebates (up to $150 per washer).

The City can help your business save water where it matters the most. When a commercial property requires a retrofit that exists outside of current City rebate programs, Water Conservation staff can evaluate the water fixture, propose a high-efficiency retrofit project and develop a customized rebate based upon achievable water savings. From ice cream dipper wells to cooling tower conductivity controllers, the City is committed to helping your business save big on utility bills.

FOR INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT

SHOWER BETTER CHALLENGE

Did you know showering accounts for an average of 20% of your family’s indoor water use? Challenge your family to shorten their showers and reduce your indoor water use!

THE QUICK AND CLEAN FACTS:

• Showering uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm).

• The average shower is 9 minutes long—that’s 22.5 gallons of water per shower!

• Shorten your shower to 5 minutes and save 10 gallons of water per shower.

SHOWER

BETTER CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS

Items needed:

- Shower Better Challenge Log (below)

- stopwatch or timer

1. Recruit family members to participate!

2. Using a stopwatch or timer, have each participant time their showers for a week.

3. Record the minutes in the log below.

4. After one week, calculate the total gallons of water used by each family participant.

5. The family member with the lowest total gallon use wins!

6. Email a photo of your completed chart to waterconservation@ bozeman.net and receive a FREE Shower Better Kit.

WHAT DOES A MINUTE OF RUNNING WATER LOOK LIKE?

Think of a gallon milk jug. When you run the water for just one minute, it will fill a whopping two and a half gallon jugs.

1 min =

BRUSH BETTER FAMILY CHALLENGE

Keeping those pearly whites clean shouldn’t be a drain. Reduce your water use and pump up the family fun with this habit-honing family activity.

THE QUICK AND CLEAN FACTS:

• Your teeth should be brushed for a full two minutes, two times per day, that’s four minutes of brushing a day.

• Running water uses about 2.5 gallons of water per minute (gpm). If you leave the water running while brushing your teeth, that’s 4 minutes of wasted water per day or 10 gallons of water going down your drain.

• Turning off the water helps us conserve.

BRUSH BETTER CHALLENGE INSTRUCTIONS

Items needed:

- Brush Better Challenge Chart - timer - pen or pencil

1. Recruit family members to participate!

2. Load up that toothbrush, give it a quick rinse, then turn off the water!

3. Get brushing! Set the timer for two minutes and make it fun. Put your favorite song on or practice a silly dance in the mirror while you brush!

4. Every time you brush without leaving the water on, give yourself a check in the chart below. Have your family members do the same.

5. After one week, add up the check marks.

6. The family member with the most check marks is the Water Smart winner.

7. Do the math on the chart to figure out how many gallons you and your family saved this week. How much could you save in a month? A year?

8. Email a photo of your completed chart to waterconservation@bozeman. net and receive a FREE Brush Better Kit.

WHAT DOES A MINUTE OF RUNNING WATER LOOK LIKE?

Think of a gallon milk jug. When you run the water for just one minute, it will fill a whopping two and a half gallon jugs. 1 min =

PREP NOW AND BREATHE EASY THIS SUMMER.

This winter, prepare your home to stay cooler this summer and mitigate the impacts of unhealthy air quality from wildfires.

TIGHTEN UP

· Insulate and air seal your attic.

· Caulk and weatherstrip around doors and windows.

ACE YOUR AC

· When exploring cooling options, consider installing a heat pump.

· Heat pumps are an all-in-one solution for heating AND cooling.

· Learn more about heat pump options and how to find the best ENERGY STAR© rated cooling options for your home at www.bozeman.net/sustainability.

BE AWARE, SHOW YOU CARE

· If you have neighbors in sensitive health groups, ask if you can help them prep for next summer.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF REBATES

· NorthWestern Energy offers rebates for air source heat pumps, air purifiers, and more.

· Stay up-to-date on other rebates, tax credits, and financing options by visiting www.bozeman.net/sustainability

CREATE A CLEAN ZONE

· Consider designating a room as a clean room to use when air quality is poor and/or temps are high.

· Make sure the room is well sealed, has an air purifier, and has a cooling option available.

PURCHASE AN ENERGY STAR© HEPA AIR PURIFIER

· Select a model that matches the size of room where it will be used.

· Keep filter replacements on hand if required for your model.

For more tips and resources, visit www.bozeman.net/sustainability Sustainability