Water restrictions in Rio Rancho, NM — also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance — set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Under Chapter 52 (Water Conservation), Rio Rancho prohibits spray irrigation from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day from April 1 through October 31 for all properties in the city or served by the City Water Utility. Drip irrigation, low bubblers, hand watering, dust control, and containerized plants are exempt; variances are available.
Rio Rancho runs an annual outdoor watering-restriction program under Chapter 52 (Water Conservation) of its Municipal Code, administered by the City's Water Utility and Environmental Programs Section. From April 1 through October 31, spray irrigation - defined by the City as a sprinkler or any device that propels water through the air in the form of small particles or droplets - is prohibited daily during the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The restriction applies to all properties within city limits and those served by the City's Water Utility. Several practices are exempt year-round: water used for dust control, soil compaction, drip irrigation, low-emitting bubblers, hand watering, and watering of containerized plants and plant stock. Hand watering is allowed during restricted hours but hoses must have shutoff nozzles. The City grants permits and variances from April 1 through October 31 for three situations: repair and maintenance of irrigation systems; establishment of newly landscaped areas within the first 30 days of planting, seeding, or sodding; and single-day irrigation for chemical application to protect existing landscapes. Variance requests go through the Environmental Programs Section at (505) 896-8737 or utility customer service. Residents who are not in compliance can be subject to fees, and water-waste complaints can be reported to (505) 896-8289 or through Report Rio Rancho.
Running spray irrigation between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. during the April 1-October 31 season, without an approved variance, violates the City's watering restrictions and can subject the property to fees per the City's Schedule of Fees. Water waste - such as letting water run off into the street - is separately discouraged and reportable. Violations are reported to the Water Utility or via Report Rio Rancho.
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