Voluntary Residential Water Conservation

Livingston, mt - July 22, 2023:

Hot, dry temperatures in the forecast over the next several weeks and continued water production demands have prompted the City of Livingston to issue a VOLUNTARY residential water conservation effort in effect now through the end of August. All water system users are asked to voluntarily look at ways to reduce water use and not sprinkle their lawns between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow adequate time for the reservoirs to refill.

The City of Livingston and the Parks Department are dedicated to conservation and leading by example. We've adjusted our irrigation system schedules to reduce the duration they irrigate city parks by 20%. There are many ways to reduce water use without compromising a green lawn or convenience. Just a few minor changes in each household can make a big difference.

Voluntary Water Conservation Tips

Outdoors: 

• Reduce lawn watering to two days per week and water in the coolest part of the day; late evenings are the best times.
• Use a broom or leaf blower, not a water hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks and to clear away leaves.
• Put mulch around trees and plants to slow water evaporation. 
• Wash vehicles at facilities where the wash water is recycled. If you must wash your vehicle at home, don't run the water while washing the car, use a bucket of soapy water to wash, and use the hose only to rinse.

Indoors:

• Take shorter showers. On average, you use about 2.5 gallons of water per minute. Shortening your shower by 5 minutes can save you 10 gallons of water.
• Don't leave the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving.
• Wash only full loads of dishes in the dishwasher. Use the shortest cycle needed to clean your dishes properly. Likewise, wash only full loads of laundry or adjust the water level for smaller loads. Just one load of laundry can use 40 or more gallons of water.
• Switching to a high-efficiency washer could significantly reduce your water consumption each year. Older wash machines use 40 gallons of water per load. 
• Don't leave the water running while scrubbing vegetables and fruit.
• Store drinking water in the fridge to cool it instead of letting the water run until it gets cold enough to drink. 
• Don't use the toilet as a disposal or wastebasket.
• Fix leaking faucets and toilets.
  • A slow drip from your faucet can waste 19 gallons daily,
  • A lousy flapper valve can waste up to 60 gallons daily or 22,000 gallons yearly. Click here to learn how to check your toilet for system leaks.
  • Install a WaterSense^(R) labeled faucets and shower heads. 
• Know where the shut-off valves are for all water lines and the water heater in emergencies.

Read more about 100+ ways you can conserve water during outdoor trips, indoor trips, and in the workplace by visiting https://wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve-water/