Water Use Rules in Santa Fe, NM (2026)
3 verified water use rules for Santa Fe, New Mexico, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Turf Replacement Rebates
Santa Fe's land development code limits how much cool-season turf, the thirsty bluegrass-style lawn most homeowners default to, a property can plant. Single-family lots are capped at 1,000 square feet or 10% of the lot, whichever is less. Multi-family, commercial and industrial sites carry separate caps, while parks and commercial recreation fields are exempt outright.
Santa Fe Caps Cool-Season Lawn Area
Some RestrictionsSanta Fe City Code § 14-8.4(F)(4) (Turf Limitations)
Cool season turf shall be limited to areas with relatively low evaporation from wind and heat or in locations used for active or passive recreational use. The total area of cool season turf shall be limited as follows: (a)single-family dwelling units shall not have cool season turf in excess of one thousand (1,000) square feet or ten percent of the total lot area, whichever is less;(b)multiple-...
Recycled Water Rules
Santa Fe's Residential Green Building Code awards a 10-point credit under Item 802.1(2) when a new single-family home irrigates on-site landscaping with reclaimed or recycled water instead of potable supply. The credit counts toward the mandatory Water Efficiency Rating Score (WERS) cap of 70 that every new residential building permit must meet before the land use director issues a certificate of occupancy.
Santa Fe Recycled Water Irrigation Credit
Light RestrictionsResidential Green Building Code, Item 802.1(2) (Section 7-4.2 SFCC 1987)
801.0 Intent. Measures that reduce indoor and outdoor water usage are implemented. ... 802.1 Gray Water. Gray water, as specified in ICC IRC, Appendix O, is separated and reused, as permitted by local building code. [Points awarded for either Section 802.1(1) or 802.1(2), not both.] (2) irrigation from reclaimed or recycled water on-site 10
Leak Reporting Duty
Santa Fe property owners and managers must fix a minor water-line leak within 15 days of notice from the water division, and repair a severe leak immediately, under City Code Section 25-2.6(A). Failing to comply can lead to water service being cut off under Rule No. 9 of the water conservation chapter.
Santa Fe Water Leak Repair Duty
Some RestrictionsSanta Fe City Code § 25-2.6(A)
A.Minor water system leaks, as determined by the city, from private water lines shall be repaired by the owner or property manager within fifteen (15) days of initial notification by the water division or utility billing section. A severe leak, as determined by the city, shall be repaired immediately. Failure to do so may result in discontinuance of service as set forth in Rule No. 9, Exhibit A...