Albuquerque, NM Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Albuquerque, NM, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- ROA 1994 Sec. 6-1-1-5 (Watering Restrictions)
- Restricted season
- April 1 - October 31
- Allowed spray hours
- 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 a.m.
- Exempt
- Drip, low-precip bubblers, hand watering
- Enforcing agency
- Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
Summary
Albuquerque enforces mandatory time-of-day watering restrictions. Under the Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste Ordinance (ROA 1994, Sec. 6-1-1-5), all spray irrigation from April 1 through October 31 must occur between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. Drip irrigation, low-precipitation bubblers, and hand watering are exempt.
All spray irrigation during the period beginning on April 1 and ending on October 31 of each year shall occur between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m. This restriction shall not apply to drip irrigation, low precipitation bubblers, hand watering, or the watering of containerized plants and plant stock.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Outdoor watering in Albuquerque is governed by the Water Conservation Landscaping and Water Waste Ordinance, codified at Sec. 6-1-1-5 (Watering Restrictions) of the Revised Ordinances of Albuquerque 1994, and enforced by the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA). , keeping high-evaporation midday hours off-limits. The restriction does not apply to drip irrigation, low-precipitation bubblers, hand watering with a hose equipped with an automatic shutoff, or watering of containerized plants and plant stock. Separately, Sec. 6-1-1-6 (Water Waste) prohibits allowing water to run off into gutters or streets, watering impervious surfaces, and failing to repair leaks.
Customers who must irrigate during restricted hours for a legitimate reason (new sod, system repair, chemical treatment) may apply to the Water Authority for a time-of-day exemption. A. 2015).
Violations & Fines
Violations are enforced by the ABCWUA Water Conservation program. The Authority issues warnings followed by escalating monetary penalties added to the water bill for repeat water-waste and watering-restriction violations; chronic violators may face higher surcharges.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hours can I water my lawn in Albuquerque?
Do the restrictions apply to drip irrigation?
Can I get an exemption to water during the day?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
How Albuquerque compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico landscaping rules overview
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