Seasonal Rio Rancho watering restrictions are in effect through Oct. 31.

To prevent water waste, spray irrigation, such as sprinklers, the City of Rio Rancho prohibits between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. for all properties within city limits or served by its water utility.

Watering by hand is allowed during these hours.

Residents are encouraged to report water waste via the city’s Water Conservation Office at 505-896-8737 or Report Rio Rancho service request system at rrnm.gov/report. People who don’t comply with the watering restrictions will be subject to the following fees:

  • Utility customers with less than a 2-inch meter:
    • First violation: warning notice
    • Second violation: $25
    • Third violation: $50
    • Fourth violation: $75
    • Fifth violation: $100
    • Sixth violation: $150 fee plus required use of a flow restriction device at meter
  • Utility customers with a meter 2 inches or larger:
    • First violation: warning notice
    • Second violation: $50
    • Third violation: $100
    • Fourth violation: $150
    • Fifth violation: $200
    • Sixth violation: -$300 fee plus required use of a flow restriction device at meter

People with questions or seeking variances to watering restrictions should contact the Environmental Programs Division at (505) 896-8737. Permits and variances to the restrictions are granted by the city for the following reasons:

  • Repair and maintenance of irrigation systems.
  • Establishment of newly landscaped areas within the first 30 days of planting or watering newly seeded or sodded turf.
  • A single-day irrigation for the application of chemicals to safeguard an existing or new landscape.

Watering restrictions don’t apply to water used for dust control, soil compaction, drip irrigation, low-emitting bubblers, hand watering and watering of containerized plants and plant stock. Shutoff nozzles are required on any hoses used for hand watering, car washing or other outdoor uses.