Following a recent initiative by Big Sky based organizations, new state regulations promise significant environmental and economic benefits
By Carli Johnson SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
In a move expected to conserve millions of gallons of water annually, Big Sky Resort, Big Sky Sustainability Network Organization (SNO), and the Gallatin River Task Force have successfully spearheaded a change in Montana law regarding hot tub maintenance at short-term rentals.
Previously, hot tubs at short-term rental properties had to be drained after each guest’s departure to avoid being classified as public spas. Under Montana law, public spas must adhere to stringent regulations, including maintaining on-site certified pool operators and strict chemical standards.
In an interview with EBS, Big Sky SNO Sustainability Coordinator Milosz Shipman said the change officially went into effect mid-January, with public announcements and broader implementation beginning in late March.
Shipman explained how short-term rentals fell into a gray area. “Draining the hot tubs every time allowed operators to avoid the stricter regulations, but it wasted a significant amount of water,” he said.
The rule ambiguity had been a longstanding issue in the Big Sky community. However, efforts by Big Sky Resort, Big Sky SNO and the Gallatin River Task Force to address the matter began gaining traction last October.
Big Sky Resort took the initial steps to move along in this process by contacting the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and proposing the idea, speaking with other lodging associations, and providing the legal effort necessary to make this happen—the effort resulted in the DPHHS amending the administrative rules affecting swimming pools, spas and other water features.
Shipman highlighted that the new clarity not only is projected to save between seven and eight million gallons of water per year in the Big Sky community but also offers substantial economic and environmental benefits.
“It’s a big time saver,” Shipman said, noting reduced labor and energy costs associated with frequently reheating large volumes of water. “All that drained water goes somewhere, and typically, it’s full of chemicals harmful to local waterways and wildlife.”
Shipman noted that this initiative reflects the community’s mindfulness to environmental concerns and expressed pride that a Big Sky-led effort now gets to be reflected across the state.
“It was a great community collaboration between Big Sky Resort, the Gallatin River Task Force, and Big Sky SNO, to really make this work,” said Lizzie Peyton, director of community sustainability for Big Sky SNO in an interview with EBS.
Peyton noted that all three organizations regularly collaborate to meet their organization’s individual sustainability goals. “It really helps us to be efficient with budgeting when we know either Big Sky Resort or the Gallatin River Task Force is working on something we can piggyback onto.”
