Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements
The purpose of the Comprehensive Water Conservation Requirements Ordinance (SFCC 1987 25-2.2) is to provide the city the means to reduce per capita water demands by requiring its citizens and businesses to comply with prescribed water conservation regulations and by establishing financial incentives for water conservation.
The Santa Fe City Council adopted changes to the ordinance that regulates water use in the City of Santa Fe. On January 1, 2007, new Comprehensive Water Conservation requirements went into effect adopting permanent conservation measures, revising the rate structure, and replacing Emergency Stages.
Water Use Violation Fees
1st Violation: $20
2nd Violation:$50
3rd Violation:$100
4th and each additional Violation: $200
- Fugitive Water Video
- Outdoor Requirements
- Landscape Requirements
- Indoor Requirements
- Contact Us
Outdoor Requirements
- Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. (in effect May 1 - October 31)
- Vehicle washing at residences shall use a hose equipped with a positive shut-off-nozzle
- Vehicle washing at residences is limited to once per month, per vehicle
- Using water to clean hard surfaces with a hose or power washer is prohibited (e.g., driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, outdoor eating areas).
- During the irrigation of landscaping, the escape or flow of water away from the landscaping plants being irrigated is prohibited
- Outdoor swimming pools must be covered when not in use
- Commercial car sale lots and other commercial and governmental entities are limited to washing each vehicle one time per month unless there is a demonstrated public health or safety reason for more frequent washings
- Commercial car sale lots shall be allowed to wash cars at time of sale and prior to placing in a showroom
FAQs
Currently, days of the week outdoor watering restrictions are not in effect. You may choose the best day or days to water. Most low water use plants only require supplemental water once or twice per week in the summer. Remember to adjust water frequency and duration according to weather and time of year.
Outdoor irrigation is prohibited between 10:00 am- 6:00 pm May 1 through October 31. Time of day provisions do not apply to the following:
- Irrigation necessary for planting new trees and shrubs.
- Irrigation necessary for one day only with treatment of an application of chemicals.
- Visually supervised operation of irrigation systems for short periods of time to check system condition and effectiveness.
No, using water to clean hard surfaces with a hose or power washer is prohibited (e.g., driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, outdoor eating areas).
During the irrigation of landscaping, the escape or flow of water away from the landscape plants being irrigated. Fugitive water is the most common water violation.
Contact the Water Conservation Office; the Water Waste Hotline is (505) 955-4222.
Contact the Parks Division at (505) 955-2100.
No, it is not necessary to leave your name or number. However, there may be times when an enforcement officer will need more information. Your information as the complainant is kept confidential.
Landscape Requirements
- Turf grass sod or turf grass seed mixes installed within the city limits shall contain 25 percent or less kentucky bluegrass
- Warm season grasses are recommended for most turf applications
- The installation of cool season turf grasses is discouraged, as they require greater quantities off irrigation water
- A permit is required for all new irrigation system installations
- A UPC approved backflow prevention device is required for all irrigation systems connected to the city water system including existing irrigation systems
- Overhead spray irrigation is prohibited for watering trees and shrubs
- Shut-off nozzles are required on hoses used for hand watering
FAQs
No, turf grass sod or turf grass seed mixes planted within the City limits shall not contain more than 25 percent Kentucky bluegrass. Warm season grasses are recommended for most turf applications.
Yes, a permit is required for all new irrigation system installations. A permit is required for major renovation of existing irrigation systems, which includes the installation of backflow prevention devices and the installation of additional zones.
At the City's Planning & Land Use Department located at 200 Lincoln Avenue. Contact the Planning & land Use Department at (505) 955-6571.
Yes, a Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) approved backflow prevention device is required for all irrigation systems connected to the city water system including existing irrigation systems.
Indoor/Signage Requirements
- Public, semi-public, and governmental entities are required to post city approved water conservation signage in restroom and shower facilities
- Hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities shall provide a water conservation informational card or brochure in a visible location in each quest room
- Minor water system leaks as determined by the city, shall be repaired by the owner or property manager with fifteen (15) days of initial notification by the Water Division, severe leaks shall be repaired immediately
- All public and private eating establishments shall provide water only on request, and shall clearly communicate this to customers through table tents, a note on the menu, or clearly visible signage
- Lodging facilities shall not change the sheets and towels move than once every four (4) days for guests staying more than one night
FAQs
Lodging facilities can not change the sheets and towels more than once every four days for guests staying more than one night.
All public and private eating establishments provide water only on request.
Yes, public, semi-public, and governmental entities are required to post city approved water conservation signage in restroom and shower facilities. The Water Conservation Office offers the signs free of charge and they may be picked up at the Sangre de Cristo Water Division located at 801 W. San Mateo Road. Contact the Water Conservation Office at (505) 955-4225.
Water Conservation Office:
(505) 955-4225
Water Waste Hotline:
(505) 955-4222
Fax:
(505) 955-4208
Daniel Ransom
Water Conservation Manager
(505) 955-4221
dsransom@santafenm.gov
Randy Sugrue
Water Conservation Specialist
(505) 955-4220
rcsugrue@santafenm.gov
Sangre de Cristo Water Division
Water Conservation Office
801 W. San Mateo Road
P.O. Box 909
Santa Fe, NM 87504-0909
Sangre de Cristo Water Division
Water Conservation Office
P.O. Box 909, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0909
Phone: (505) 955-4225 Fax: (505) 955-4208
Updated January 15, 2010