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.
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.
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). During the irrigation season (April 1 through October 31 each year), spray irrigation of landscapes is permitted only between 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 a.m., 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. The ordinance article was updated in 2015 (referenced in city planning documents as Article 6-1 R.O.A. 2015).
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.
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