A month-by-month outline for conserving and protecting Big Sky’s water resources in 2024
By Marne Hayes EBS COLUMNIST
With the new year comes opportunities to commit to all sorts of resolutions. Better health, more adventure, kindness and patience, home improvement, mindfulness and more intentional practices—focusing on things we want to improve or take better care of seems to be the common theme. Taking better care of and being more mindful of our water should be right in there for 2024.
Water is a shared public resource, and while it may not be one we take entirely for granted, it is one that we rely on in ways that sometimes allow us to be complacent in how we treat the resource and its sources. Our water use affects other users in our shared watershed and it affects the water that feeds the Gallatin River. Especially in conditions like we are experiencing now, where our natural sources of water in the form of snow are at an unprecedented low, an extra dose of mindfulness is in order.
In 2024, we encourage you to take the opportunity to uphold your own intentions and commitments to conserving and protecting both our community water, and the sources that ultimately feed the Gallatin.
But how and where do you start?
There are big and small ways to contribute to the conservation of a community water resource, and our friends at the Environmental Protection Agency have for many years rolled out the I’m For Water Pledge outlining how to save water in our own communities and homes.
Water conservation isn’t just important in the months seeing high uses from things like irrigation. Water saved now means more water in times of drought. Conservation should have a place in our habits year-round, so come drought or scarcity, we’re already in the practice of doing what we can to protect our river and our water resources.
Here are some simple things to think about throughout the year to stay on top of water savings. Committing to water conservation goes a long way, and the Gallatin River Task Force’s work for the river extends from our science-specific projects and programs to our everyday practices of doing what is right to protect the Gallatin. To do your part:
- January: Commit to year-long water savings and become more familiar with how much water you actually use each month.
- February: Look for ways to upgrade fixtures and appliances to water-wise models, or consider our rebate program that incentivizes improvements.
- March: Participate in and become familiar with the opportunities to save water during Fix-A-Leak Week, a national EPA campaign. Take advantage of local Fix-A-Leak-Week events hosted by the Gallatin River Task Force to learn where your home or office can use water more efficiently.
- April: Take an early look at your outdoor irrigation system, or your typical summer watering schedule, and make upgrades that will help you conserve. Schedule an irrigation audit with a local landscaper to make sure your system is free of leaks and blockages.
- May: Get a jumpstart on your landscaping plan and learn what plants and systems are most suitable for our climate and temperate zone.
- June: Take advantage of early summer precipitation by catching stormwater for summer watering needs by utilizing permeable materials in your landscape like pebbles, rocks, gravel and mulch which capture water and help soils retain moisture.
- July: Pay attention to summer irrigation restrictions and adjust your home and commercial watering schedule accordingly. Consider installing a weather-based smart controller (then apply for a GRTF rebate) to prevent over-watering.
- August: Check the Gallatin River Task Force Drought Dashboard to see what you can do to help address seasonally dry conditions and be prepared for water restrictions.
- September: Pick ways to conserve water in your everyday routine; turn off faucets while brushing teeth, fill laundry loads to capacity and don’t run a kitchen faucet to do dishes.
- October: Engage in Energy Awareness Month and learn tips and tricks to collectively save energy, water and money for your home or office.
- November: Test home appliances for efficiencies or leaks; replace toilet flappers or shower heads that may be inefficient.
- December: Ring in the new year by making an ongoing commitment to water conservation; take the pledge #FortheRiver.
The tasks are small, but the collective impact is big, and we hope you’ll find your own ways to commit to using water more efficiently in the new year. Here’s to a prosperous and water-wise 2024.
Marne Hayes is the communications manager for the Gallatin River Task Force.
