Did you know that outdoor watering restrictions are mandatory for properties within the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority service area? While residents and businesses can choose which days to water, specific time-of-day restrictions are enforced to reduce water waste and protect our region's water supply.
Understanding these requirements is important for homeowners, rental property owners, commercial properties, and real estate professionals advising clients about property maintenance.
Who Must Follow the Watering Restrictions?
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) establishes watering restrictions that apply to all customers within its service area, including residential and commercial properties.
View Water Authority's Zone Map
The Water Authority's water waste regulations also extend to anyone within its service area, even if their water comes from another source.
This means property owners should not assume they are exempt simply because they use a private well or another water source. However, properties outside the Water Authority's service area are not automatically subject to these specific regulations.
Mandatory Watering Hours: April 1 Through October 31
Under the Water Authority's Water Waste Reduction Ordinance, spray irrigation is prohibited between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm from April 1 through October 31 each year.
Sprinklers and other spray irrigation systems must operate during permitted hours:
- Before 11:00 am
- After 7:00 pm
These restrictions help reduce evaporation during the hottest parts of the day.
The time-of-day restriction does not apply to drip irrigation, low-precipitation bubblers, hand watering, or watering containerized plants and plant stock. Hoses used for hand watering must have shutoff nozzles.
Follow the Seasonal Watering Schedule
The Water Authority's Water by the Numbers program provides a recommended watering schedule based on seasonal conditions.
Unlike the mandatory time-of-day restrictions, the standard seasonal schedule is voluntary, allowing customers to choose their watering days.
| Month | Recommended Frequency |
|---|---|
| March | Once per week |
| April & May | Twice per week |
| June, July, & August | Three times per week |
| September & October | Twice per week |
| November | Once per week |
The program follows a simple 1-2-3-2-1 approach to help landscapes receive appropriate amounts of water throughout the growing season.
Although these frequencies are recommendations under the current program, the Water Authority can implement mandatory watering frequencies or assigned days under certain drought management conditions.
View the Water by the Numbers Schedule
What Happens if You Violate the Restrictions?
Spray irrigation during prohibited hours is classified as water waste. Other violations include allowing irrigation water to flow onto sidewalks, streets, neighboring properties, or other impervious surfaces.
The Water Authority investigates reported violations and provides property owners with a warning and an opportunity to correct the problem before fines are assessed.
Repeated violations can result in increasing fees, depending on the property's water meter size.
Property owners can report water waste by contacting the Water Authority at 505-842-WATR (9287), Option 5, or through its online reporting system.
Learn About Water Waste Enforcement
Are Exemptions Available?
The Water Authority offers exemptions and variances for certain circumstances, including establishing new sod, reseeding existing turf, installing newly seeded lawns, and specific landscape treatments requiring immediate watering.
Approval is required, and exemptions may involve an on-site inspection by a Water Conservation Specialist. Property owners should apply before beginning work that requires watering during restricted hours.
Review Watering Exemptions and Variances
A Reminder for Brokers and Property Owners
For real estate professionals, these regulations are worth discussing with buyers, sellers, landlords, and property managers, particularly when a property has extensive landscaping or an automatic sprinkler system.
Checking irrigation timers, understanding seasonal watering recommendations, and identifying potential water waste issues can help property owners maintain their landscapes while remaining compliant.
As Albuquerque continues to navigate drought conditions and long-term water conservation challenges, responsible outdoor watering is one way property owners can help preserve the region's water resources.
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