Water Department

The Water Department of Livingston is committed to furnishing our citizens with access to clean and safe drinking water. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to uphold this commitment by meticulously maintaining the water mains, conducting thorough inspections of wells, diligently collecting and analyzing water samples, and performing a range of essential tests.

The city's water supply is derived from six wells in our community. To ensure compliance with stringent State Water Quality Standards, rigorous monthly assessments are conducted to evaluate water quality parameters. Additionally, our municipality is equipped with three reservoirs, collectively capable of storing 3,090,000 gallons of water, thus ensuring a reliable water supply for our residents.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: I got a letter in the mail stating the water meter may not be working properly. Why?
A: Water meters that have been in service for 15 years or more may begin to lose accuracy, slow down, or stop functioning altogether, leading to inaccurate billing. If you received this letter, call our office to schedule an appointment. 

Q: My meter needs to be replaced. What do I do?
A: Before scheduling an appointment, ensure both isolation valves on either side of your water meter are working. Test them by shutting each off separately and checking if water flow stops. City code requires faulty valves must be replaced with ball valves by a licensed plumber. City technicians are not authorized to perform valve replacements. Once the valves are functional, schedule your meter replacement with our office.

Q: How long does it take to replace my water meter?
A: Standard installation takes about 45 minutes, with water shut off for 15–30 minutes. Please ensure clear access to the meter. In tight or unusual spaces (e.g., meter pits or crawlspaces), the process may take longer.

Q: Do I need to be home for the meter replacement?
A: Yes, because water meters are located inside, typically in a basement or utility area. Someone 18 years or older must be present during the entire appointment and available to sign for the completed work.

Q: My service line is leaking, what is my responsibility as a homeowner?
A: Homeowners are responsible for maintaining and covering the cost of water pipes from the city connection in the street to the curb box, the service line, any isolation valves, and up to the water meter inside the home.

Q: I found a leak. What should I do?
A: Notify our office, then contact a licensed plumber for repairs. If needed, Water Department staff can shut off service until repairs are made. Per Livingston Municipal Code, leaks must be repaired within 14 days. Delays may result in high bills or temporary service disconnection.

Q: When do you read your water meters?
A: Water meters are read electronically at the end of each month.

Q: Does the city add Fluoride to the water?
A: No, Fluoride occurs naturally in our water due to the erosion of fluoride-containing rocks and soils in our area.

Q: What is the water pressure around town?
A: The average water pressure throughout Livingston is approximately 90 psi.

Q: I moved in. How do I update my billing information?
A: The City Finance Office administers utility billing for the City of Livingston. Please note: utility charges cannot be accurately estimated based on the number of occupants, square footage, or the number of bathrooms in a household. Each residence has distinct usage patterns, including varying cleaning and irrigation habits, which can significantly impact the total billing amount. Visit that page for current rates.

Q: Why doesn’t the City provide water testing services inside my home?
A: The City does not perform in-home testing. The City is responsible for ensuring water quality up to the service connection at your property line. Once water enters your home, factors such as the type of plumbing materials, fixtures, or in-home treatment systems can impact its quality. If you're concerned about your water quality, we recommend contacting a certified private lab or purchasing an At-Home Water Quality Test Kit.

Q: How do I report the type of water service line material on my property?
A:  Complete our Water Service Line Inventory Questionnaire 

Some of our most common fees outside of water usage...

Other information and policies:

Water and Sewer Line Map see depth of water/sewer lines and fire hydrant locations in the city
Drinking Water Quality Report: Read how we meet or exceed MT DEQ regulations. 
Information about PFAS Forever Chemicals
Water Conservation - Tips for saving water in your home