SANTA FE News:

SANTA FE — As the outdoor watering season begins, the City of Santa Fe is reminding residents that seasonal water conservation requirements go into effect May 1 and will run through October. These restrictions prohibit outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Additionally, the city is asking residents and commercial users to begin these important watering restrictions early, starting now. 

Seasonal watering requirements are standard water management measures designed to reduce evaporation and improve outdoor watering efficiency.

Residents are asked to observe the following restrictions:

• No outdoor watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., May 1 through October 31.
• Overspray and runoff while watering plants is prohibited.
• Overhead spray irrigation is prohibited for watering trees and shrubs.
• Automatic shut-off nozzles are required on hoses used for hand watering.
• Residents may wash vehicles at home no more than once per month, and only with a nozzle that automatically shuts off when not in use.
• Power washers and hoses may not be used to clean driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, outdoor eating areas, or other hard surfaces.
• Outdoor swimming pools must be covered when not in use.
• Turf grass sod or grass seed must contain less than 25 percent Kentucky Bluegrass.
• A permit is required for all new irrigation system installations and for major renovations of existing systems.
• A backflow prevention device certified under the Uniform Plumbing Code is required for all systems connected to the City water system.

Commercial and institutional customers also have requirements in place:

• Nurseries and landscapers must provide low-water-use landscape literature and water-efficient irrigation guidelines with the purchase of perennial plants, sod or grass seed, or with any landscape service contract.
• Commercial vehicle lots and other commercial and governmental entities are limited to washing each vehicle once per month, unless a public health or safety reason requires otherwise.
• Public, semi-public, and governmental entities are required to post water conservation signage in restroom and shower facilities. Free signage is available from the Water Conservation Office.
• Hotels, motels, and lodging facilities must provide a water conservation informational card or brochure in a visible location in each guest room. Free table tents and towel hangers are available from the Water Conservation Office.
• All public and private eating establishments must provide water only on request and communicate this policy clearly through table tents, menu notes, or visible signage. Free table tents are available from the Water Conservation Office.
• Lodging facilities may not change sheets and towels more than once every four days for guests staying more than one night.
• Title companies and others closing real estate transactions must provide the buyer with City-provided water conservation literature.
• The City provides water conservation literature to all new water customers.

Residents seeking more information about water conservation requirements, rebate programs, and tips can visit the City of Santa Fe Conservation & Sustainability Division online or contact the Water Conservation Office directly at 505.955.4225.