Outdoor Watering Prohibited between 10 am and 6 pm
Seasonal water restrictions went into effect on May 1st and city water managers want to remind Santa Feans that they cannot water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Residents are allowed to water on the days of their choice. A good rule of thumb is once on the weekend, twice during the week and no more than three times total.
Although Santa Fe received ample snowpack this winter, annual precipitation from year to year is highly variable. This means that, in a high desert environment, water conservation must remain a year-round commitment. In addition to limiting the time and number of days for outdoor watering, city water-use rules –Chapter 25 of the city municipal code – also address other water-wasting habits:
- Outdoor swimming pools must be covered when not in use.
- Vehicle washing at residences is limited to once per month, per vehicle, and must be done with a hose equipped with a “positive shut-off nozzle,” one that automatically shuts off when not in use.
- Commercial car sale lots and other commercial and governmental entities with on-site vehicle washing facilities are limited to washing each vehicle one time per month except under certain circumstances.
- Using a hose or power washer to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios or other hard surfaces is not allowed.
- Water from landscape irrigation cannot flow onto hard surfaces or neighboring properties.
- Hand-watering must be done with a hose equipped with a positive shut-off nozzle and overhead watering is prohibited for trees and shrubs.
- Turf grass sod or grass seed mixes cannot contain more than 25 percent Kentucky bluegrass.
- A permit is required for all new irrigation system installations.
Those who violate the water-use rules can be fined up to $200. Violations are applied to water bills.
Those who want to report water waste can call 995-4222.
To report watering at City Parks call 955-2100.