Bozeman’s New Permanent Watering Restrictions: What are the Rules?

June 16th, 2022 is the date for the City of Bozeman's new outdoor watering restrictions, and these adjustments are now considered permanent. So when can you water your lawn?

If you use City of Bozeman water for your irrigation needs, these rules apply to you. The days and times at which you can water lawns, etc. are changing, but the GOOD NEWS is that the restrictions are very easy to follow. (Don't worry, you can water your flowers and food gardens. See more details below.)

This is all part of the Water Smart Bozeman campaign. Water is precious around here and it's especially important to conserve given our vulnerability to drought.

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

The following is verbatim from the COB website and apply to all residences and businesses that use City water, in effect on June 16th, 2022.

Permitted watering days are as follows:

• EVEN number physical addresses: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
• ODD number physical addresses: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
• Public Parks, private open spaces, street right-of-ways: Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Watering is permitted on your allowed watering day before 10 a.m. and after 8 p.m.

Can I water my trees, food gardens and flower beds/baskets/pots? YES. "These restrictions do not apply for the use of low-volume drip irrigation and hand watering with a watering can or hose with positive shut-off nozzle when watering the following plant types only: Trees, Shrubs, Ornamental perennials & groundcovers, Annual flower beds & planters, Food gardens."