Arts & Entertainment
Water Wisdom: Every drop counts
Published
5 years agoon
Posted By
Outlaw PartnersWater conservation critical tool for stretching supply
By Stephanie Lynn EBS CONTRIBUTOR
Big Sky is a headwaters community with limited water supply.
Every day, residents and visitors tap into finite groundwater aquifers constrained by the semi-arid climate. Due to its location near the source of the Gallatin River, Big Sky has few options to purchase the right to use additional water. If current use and growth continues, the public water supply may be unable to quench the thirst of the growing community within the next few years.
Municipalities utilize cost-effective water conservation strategies, including incentives to change behavior, improvements in utility management, and rebates for water-efficient products to maximize water supply. After estimating that purchasing water is six times more expensive than reducing use, the city of Bozeman outlined a goal to secure more than half of their new water supply through conservation in a 2013 integrated water resources plan.
Every drop of water saved creates ripples of indirect positive effects. Water stored underground, and not utilized, recharges rivers and streams when they’re at their lowest, benefiting fish and wildlife. In addition, water-efficient households connected to a public utility with tiered pricing, such as Big Sky Water and Sewer District, save money on their water bill. Finally, water-conscious homes generate less wastewater, which reduces treatment-plant inflows.
Big Sky is ripe for improved water-use practices. Water consumption per capita is about 125 gallons on the average day, which is more than three times what water experts consider to be efficient use. The Gallatin River Task Force aims to reduce water use in Big Sky to align with the national average through a fledgling water conservation program.
According to Brandy Straub, conservation project manager for the Task Force, community members can save water, money and energy while safeguarding Big Sky’s limited water supply with three small steps:
- Picking up a leak-detection kit at the Task Force office to find and stop leaks.
- Applying for a rebate to replace old shower heads, toilets and washing machines.
- Managing water use by taking shorter showers or turning the faucet off while washing dishes.
Water-efficient fixtures and appliances are perhaps the easiest way to save water. To date, nearly 100 individuals have saved about 1.8 million gallons of water by purchasing water-saving products through the Task Force rebate program.
“Our experience with the Gallatin River Task Force Water Conservation Program was excellent with a simple process to claim the rebate,” said rebate participant Greg Hagge. “Wanting to install equipment that promoted water conservation was an easy decision, and receiving the rebate made it even more so.”
To learn more or apply for a rebate to purchase water-efficient products, visit gallatinrivertaskforce.org/waterconservation/rebate-programs.
Stephanie Lynn is the education and communications coordinator for the Gallatin River Task Force.
The Outlaw Partners is a creative marketing, media and events company based in Big Sky, Montana.
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
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My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
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15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
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Verge Theater
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
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Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
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March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
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Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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Thursday of the Lord’s Supper Mass
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
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