Thursday, May 02, 2013

City Outdoor Time-of-Day Watering Restrictions Begin May 1


Outdoor Watering Prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and
No More than Three Times a Week

City water managers want to remind all Santa Fe residents that water restrictions begin today, May 1. Outdoor watering is prohibited between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and no more than three times a week.

The Santa Fe area is going into a third year of drought after the two driest and hottest years on record. In addition to limiting the time and number of days for outdoor watering, city water-use rules –Chapter 25 of the city municipal code – also address other water-wasting habits:

  • Outdoor swimming pools must be covered when not in use.
  • Vehicle washing at residences is limited to once per month, per vehicle, and must be done with a hose equipped with a “positive shut-off nozzle,” one that automatically shuts off when not in use.
  • Commercial car sale lots and other commercial and governmental entities with on-site vehicle washing facilities are limited to washing each vehicle one time per month except under certain circumstances.
  • No one is allowed to use water to clean sidewalks, driveways, patios or other hard surfaces with a hose or power washer.
  • Water from landscape irrigation cannot flow onto hard surfaces or neighboring properties.
  • Hand-watering must be done with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle and overhead watering is prohibited for trees and shrubs.
  • Turf grass sod or grass seed mixes cannot contain more than 25 percent Kentucky bluegrass.
  • A permit is required for all new irrigation system installations.

Those who violate the water-use rules can be fined up to $200. Violations are applied to water bills. Those who want to report water waste can call 995-4222. To report watering at city parks call 955-2100.

For more information about water conservation in Santa Fe, including the Water Conservation and Drought Water Management Plan, residential and commercial rebate programs, and outdoor/indoor water use requirements, please visit www.santafenm.gov/waterconservation.

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