Rio Rancho, NM Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)

Rio Rancho does not restrict residents from collecting rainwater; instead, the City actively promotes water-wise practices through its xeriscaping and conservation programs. The governing rules come from the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer (OSE), which states that it 'supports the wise and efficient use of the state's water resources and therefore encourages the harvesting, collection, and use of rainwater from residential and commercial roof surfaces for on-site landscape irrigation and other on-site domestic uses.' The OSE guidance is clear that most homeowners can install and use a rainwater-harvesting system for landscape irrigation without needing a permit from the State; larger commercial systems should check with the regional OSE Water Rights Division. A key state limitation is that collection should not reduce the amount of runoff that would naturally have left the site in its pre-development state, and harvested rainwater may not be appropriated for uses beyond those authorized; water-quality questions are referred to the New Mexico Environment Department. Because Rio Rancho sits in an arid, high-desert basin, capturing roof runoff in rain barrels and cisterns for landscape use pairs naturally with the City's encouragement of xeriscape and low-water plantings. Residents in HOA-governed neighborhoods should still confirm that barrel or cistern placement complies with any architectural-review covenants.