Outdoor watering schedule starts today!

Published on May 01, 2025

Community members who water outdoor spaces are reminded that the irrigation schedule under Water Rule W-8 is in effect from May 1 through September 30. Falling under the rules and regulations of the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU), W-8 outlines requirements for the conservation of water that is delivered to and used by DPU customers.

Under the water rule, DPU customers should water outdoors no more than three times per week. Anyone with odd address numbers is asked to limit their watering to Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Those with even address numbers are asked to water only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Everyone is asked to refrain from watering between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. when water evaporates more quickly.

“Here in Los Alamos County, your lawn will be okay if you don’t water it every day,” said Abbey Hayward, DPU’s Water and Energy Conservation Coordinator. “Even in Albuquerque where temperatures are warmer than they are here, turf grass only needs to be watered about three times a week according to 505Outside.”

For those who would like to do less outdoor watering, Hayward suggested checking out DPU’s partnership program Sustainable Landscape Design as it provides guidance for transitioning to a more water-conscious landscape. DPU’s partner for the series is the Los Alamos branch office of the New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension. Details can be found at https://ladpu.com/conserve.

Outdoor watering includes the irrigation of grass, trees, plants or other vegetation, including outdoor potted plants. Anyone watering newly planted vegetation is exempted from the rule for up to a month.

Water Rule W-8 may be found at https://ladpu.com/W-8 .