Peter Manka, owner of Alpine Water, with Big Sky’s state of the art, chemicalfree, ultraviolet water treatment system. PHOTO COURTESY OF PETER MANKA
ALPINE WATER
BY PATRICK STRAUB AND MIRA BRODY
Devoted to Community, Conservation and Healthy Water In Big Sky, water is as much a part of our needs, as it is our lifestyle. From the powder white snowpack on Lone Mountain that we float on, to the churning Gallatin River providing endless rapids for adrenaline-charged summer days, it’s the element that most defines the community and what makes us love living here. For over a decade, Peter Manka, owner of Alpine Water, has been appreciating the joys of immersing himself in every form of water, all the while implementing the latest science and technology to enrich its benefits for local homeowners and businesses. With a master’s degree in water resources and a dedication to health and well-being, he carefully considers the constantly progressing science necessary to design systems that provide clean, healthy water in our homes and businesses as well as ensures its preservation in our unique ecosystem.
Peter, his wife Ellie and their three daughters, were thrilled at the opportunity to finally settle in Big Sky in 2008. Attracted by the small town community and the pace of life embraced by its inhabitants, he also observed something unique about Big Sky. “We don’t dump our wastewater in the river, we treat it and recycle it,” Manka says. “Water systems like ours are rare in this country and on this planet. We make every effort to complete the water cycle right here in Big Sky to avoid passing our waste to the next downstream user like most towns do.” Conscious of the knowledge and experience he could bring to the table, he soon became involved with the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District by studying Big Sky’s water system and attending BSWSD board meetings.
64 | Summer 2021
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