The purpose of the Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements Ordinance (SFCC 1987 25-2.2) is to provide the city the means to reduce per capita water demands by requiring its citizens and businesses to comply with prescribed water conservation regulations and by establishing financial incentives for water conservation.

Choose Your Days to Water

Currently, days of the week outdoor watering restrictions are not in effect. You may choose the best day or days to water, up to three days a week. Most low water use plants only require supplemental water once or twice per week in the summer. Remember to adjust water frequency and duration according to weather and time of year.

Time-of-Day Watering

Annually, May 1 - October 31
No outdoor irrigation from 10 am to 6 pm

Time-of-day provisions do not apply to the following:

• Irrigation necessary for planting new trees and shrubs.
• Irrigation necessary for one day only with treatment of an application of chemicals.
• Visually supervised operation of irrigation systems for short periods of time to check system condition and effectiveness.

Water Use Violation Fees

1st Violation: $20
2nd Violation: $50
3rd Violation: $100
4th and each additional Violation: $200

Report Water Waste

(505) 955-4222

Report Water Waste in City Parks

(505) 955-2100

• Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. (in effect May 1 - October 31)
• Vehicle washing at residences shall use a hose equipped with a positive shut-off-nozzle
• Vehicle washing at residences is limited to once per month, per vehicle. (Yes, you can wash your car at home. However, the use of a positive shut-off nozzle is required).
• Using water to clean hard surfaces with a hose or power washer is prohibited (e.g., driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, outdoor eating areas).
• During the irrigation of landscaping, the escape or flow of water away from the landscaping plants being irrigated is prohibited
• Outdoor swimming pools must be covered when not in use
• Commercial car sale lots and other commercial and governmental entities are limited to washing each vehicle one time per month unless there is a demonstrated public health or safety reason for more frequent washings
• Commercial car sale lots shall be allowed to wash cars at time of sale and prior to placing in a showroom

• Public, semi-public, and governmental entities are required to post city approved water conservation signage in restroom and shower facilities. (The Water Conservation Office offers signs free of charge.
• Hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities shall provide a water conservation informational card or brochure in a visible location in each quest room. (The Water Conservation Office offers table tents and towel hangers free of charge.
• Minor water system leaks as determined by the city, shall be repaired by the owner or property manager with fifteen (15) days of initial notification by the Water Division, severe leaks shall be repaired immediately.
• All public and private eating establishments shall provide water only on request, and shall clearly communicate this to customers through table tents, a note on the menu, or clearly visible signage. (The Water Conservation Office offers table tents free of charge.
• Lodging facilities shall not change the sheets and towels move than once every four (4) days for guests staying more than one night.

• Turf grass sod or turf grass seed mixes installed within the city limits shall contain 25 percent or less Kentucky bluegrass. (No, turf grass sod or turf grass seed mixes planted within the City limits shall not contain more than 25 percent Kentucky bluegrass. Warm season grasses are recommended for most turf applications).
• Warm season grasses are recommended for most turf applications
• The installation of cool season turf grasses is discouraged, as they require greater quantities off irrigation water
• A permit is required for all new irrigation system installations. (A permit is required for major renovation of existing irrigation systems, which includes the installation of backflow prevention devices and the installation of additional zones).
• A UPC approved backflow prevention device is required for all irrigation systems connected to the city water system including existing irrigation systems
• Overhead spray irrigation is prohibited for watering trees and shrubs
• Shut-off nozzles are required on hoses used for hand watering