Alamogordo NM
8-10-2023 9:49am

Carlsbad Follows Alamogordos Lead in Limited Water Restrictions

As the city of Carlsbad New Mexico announced concerns with water usage, its a good reminder that by Alamogordo city ordinance, there are restrictions on when watering of grass and yards can occur within the Alamogordo City Limits…

By ordinance the normal watering schedule from May 1st through November 1st each year allows us to water as follows:

  • Odd numbered addresses (street number ends in 1,3,5,7,9) may only water on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
  • Even numbered addresses (street number ends in 0,2,4,6,8) may only water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
  • All outdoor watering must take place before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. This conserves water by reducing evaporation.
  • Watering is not permitted on Mondays.

Tier Rate Billing

This is the regular watering schedule as set forth in the city's code of ordinances, section 28-03-033. Tier rate billing is still in effect. You will be billed based on your consumption. Wasting water is prohibited.

Water Rationing

Residents should be aware that the ordinance contains rationing provisions that become stricter if the city's water capacities approach dangerously low levels. Should water rationing become necessary, and other conservation methods become required, the city will inform residents through public announcements, mailings, or other means.

Contact Utility Billing Customer Service with questions..

Email Utility Billing Customer Service
Physical Address
1376 E Ninth Street
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: 575-439-4260

Specific to Carlsbad, the city of Carlsbad New Mexico announced it would place a restriction on water use. The restrictions went into effect Wednesday.

Carlsbad cited a scorching summer as a reason for its residents to restrict usage. Residents have been authorized what to do as the city enters stage one restrictions. 

Carlsbad is following Alamogordo’s lead in that Carlsbad residents living at an odd number are allowed to water outdoors on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. The city previously offered a recommendation for its water usage, but the new restriction makes it mandatory, according to Carlsbad.

A part of those recommendations was for residents to not use outdoor water between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Per a statement from Carlsbad city leaders, “Watering is not allowed on Mondays for any residents. Even-number residents should water on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Businesses like restaurants will also see a change in its operations.

Carlsbad has advised restaurants not to provide drinking water unless a customer makes the request.

The city will keep the restriction order active until it believes it can be lifted. The restriction is based on aquifer and chloride levels.”

New Mexico relies on both groundwater and surface water sources, but about 87 percent of New Mexico's public water supply comes from ground water. No other southwestern state gets such a large percentage of its domestic water from groundwater sources. Such a heavy dependence upon ground water has its downsides.

The state's water finance system is fragmented and lacks a consistent strategy or goal,” the Legislative Finance Committee reported in 2021, casting the problem in dire terms. New Mexico's water infrastructure (including wastewater systems) likely needs more than $2.8 billion in repairs, the LFC concluded.

Areas of New Mexico struggle with water. September of last year Las Vegas New Mexico almost ran out of water. The City of Las Vegas avoided running out of water but the water crisis seems like it’s never-ending.

In September of last year the City of Las Vegas was down to around 20 days left of drinkable water but thanks to a new system they are slowly adding days to the tank. They installed a temporary pre-treatment system down at Storrie and it’s working this year to meet demand. 

During the Hermit’s Peak Calf Canyon wildfire a large portion of the city’s watershed burned. Then, during the burn scar flooding a lot of ash, soil and debris washed into the river making it harder to clean and unusable.

Between extreme heat and fires each put the New Mexico water shed and groundwater system at risk. Water usage is not something to be taken lightly. The city of Alamogordo has been progressively working to ensure a stable water system locally. With investment in tanks and infrastructure as well as expansion of the desalinization programs a plan is in place to keep Alamogordo water flowing. However citizens have a responsibility to conserve and protect our local environment and water supply. 

    More News from Alamogordo
    I'm interested
    I disagree with this
    This is unverified
    Spam
    Offensive