Watering Restrictions

To help conserve water, spray irrigation (watering using a sprinkler or other device that propels water through the air in the form of water droplets) is restricted between the hours of 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM for all properties within Rio Rancho City limits and for properties outside of City limits that are served by the City’s Water Utility.

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

If you notice areas where excessive watering is happening or watering is occurring during restricted times, please let the Water Conservation Office know via Report Rio Rancho (rrnm.gov/report) or by calling 505-891-5020 option 6. If prompted to leave a message, please include location, date, time and description of observation. For more information on the City of Rio Rancho’s Water Conservation Ordinance (Chapter 52), including fee assessments, please visit https://www.codepublishing.com/NM/RioRancho.

water droplet pointing to a sign that indicates no sprinklers between 11am-7pm

Water Variances:

Permits and variances from April 1 through October 31, watering restrictions are granted by the City for the following reasons:

1. Repair and maintenance of an irrigation system.

2. Establishment of newly landscaped areas within the first 30 days of planting or watering newly seeded or sodded turf.

3. A single-day irrigation needed for the application of chemicals needed to safeguard an existing or new landscape.

If you have questions or need to seek a variance to watering restrictions please contact the Environmental Programs Section at (505) 896-8737.

Violation Fees:

Schedule of Fees PDF


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