Drought Management - Stages, Triggers, and Tips

City of Livingston Municipal Code

Sec. 13-65. - Restriction of water use—City Manager to determine.

1. The City reserves the right in the case of shortage of water, or for any other cause, to make any order, rule or regulation forbidding or suspending the use of City water for sprinkling, irrigation or watering any lawn or garden.
2. The City Manager is authorized and empowered, when in their opinion the amount of water being pumped reaches such volume that, unless restricted, the public health, safety and general welfare might be endangered, to establish the times and hours when City water may be used for irrigating, sprinkling or watering lawns and gardens, and may set and fix times when no water may be used for such purposes by giving notice through the City's official newspaper.
3. Restrictions set by the City Manager may be appealed to the City Council.

(Ord. 1658, 5/8/90; Ord. No. 3005 , § 2, 4/20/21)

Sec. 13-66. - Restriction of water use—violation—misdemeanor.

Any person violating the restrictions as imposed by the City or who wastes water by letting it run in avenues, streets, alleys for roadways shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

(Ord. 1658, 5/8/90)

Drought Stages

Stage 1: Voluntary restrictions with education on water conservation.

Stage 2: Citywide irrigation ban from 4 a.m. to 9 a.m. to allow time for our reservoirs to refill.

Stage 3: Watering of lawns is permitted for even-numbered addresses on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. For odd-numbered addresses, watering is allowed on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday during the same hours. Public parks may be watered on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Stage 4: All outdoor water use is prohibited.

Stage Triggers

Stage 1: Stage is triggered when average daily demand exceeds well pumping capacity

Stage 2: Stage is triggered when water levels are below 80% in both reservoirs

Stage 3: Stage is triggered when water is below 70% in both reservoirs

Stage 4: Stage is triggered if the city suffers an equipment/infrastructure failure, a fire emergency, or if water is below 60% in both reservoirs

Conservation Tips

Outdoor Watering

Small landscaping and habit changes can save a lot of water which reduces demand and can save money.

Tips for Reducing Outdoor Water Use

• Wait to water lawns - Don't turn on sprinklers too early in the season. Leaving lawns dormant longer will save water, and will not compromise the longevity of your lawn. April is too early to go automatic, plan on programming your sprinkler system to start in May or June. Hand-water trees and plants as needed - trees offer many benefits such as shade and habitat, and are often greatly impacted by drought, make sure to keep an eye out on your tree health and water them when needed.
• Water less frequently - Watering twice a week will make grass roots grow deeper and allow the grass to last longer without water. 
• Cycle sprinkler system run times - This can prevent excess water runoff, visual inspections after an initial watering cycle will make this apparent. Instead of setting each zone to water for 15 minutes, set each zone to water for five minutes, every hour, for a few hours, and adjust accordingly.
• Water in the evening, night, or early morning - Watering landscapes in the early morning or at night will help reduce water loss. During the daytime heat, less water will be available to plants due to loss from evaporation and wind.
• When it rains, water accordingly - Watch the weather and adjust watering days and times accordingly. Use soil moisture sensors to automatically adjust watering schedules when it rains. As a less accurate option, use rain sensors to stop sprinklers when it rains. 
• Let grass grow longer before cutting it - Raise lawn mower blades and protect lawns from the heat by letting the grass grow longer (3 to 3.5 inches.) A taller lawn provides shade to the roots and helps retain soil moisture, so your lawn requires less water.
• Water lawns, plants, and trees - not roads and sidewalks. Prior to installing a costly chase drain or other solution, request an irrigation audit. In our arid environment, there should be no need to divert irrigation water. Sweep driveways and sidewalks with a broom instead of spraying with a hose - but please not down the storm drain or into the street gutter. Hand-water, deep root water, or drip irrigate trees, shrubs, bushes, perennial beds, annual flowers, and vegetable gardens. Always use a shut-off nozzle on your hose when watering plants.
• Fix leaks - Check your sprinkler system monthly for broken sprinkler heads and damaged irrigation lines. Hire a professional to conduct a sprinkler assessment. A well-maintained system will save both money and water.
• Plan ahead and plan efficiently - If possible, delay new lawn installations for a non-drought year (even water-wise gardens require more water to get established) and avoid planting during the mid-summer heat. Incorporate water-wise plants and turf when planning landscape renovations or installations.