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BernCo News Bulletin - March 2021 |
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After many months of planning, the Bernalillo County Water Conservation Program is rolling out new water conservation incentive programs for Bernalillo County residents. Many thanks to the community members who provided ideas for new water conservation incentives in the public meetings we conducted in 2019. We hope that the new programs accurately reflect your input and meet your needs.
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Smart Water Monitors $25 for a Flume Smart Home Water Monitor or Phyn Smart Water Assistant |
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High-Efficiency Toilet Retrofits Up to two free high-efficiency toilets installed by a licensed plumber |
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High-Efficiency Washing Machines $200 coupon for a Consortium for Energy Efficiency Tier 1, Tier 2, or Advanced Tier-certified washing machine |
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Smart Irrigation Controllers $90 for a Rachio 3 8-zone controller, or $110 for Rachio 3 16-zone controller |
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Rain Barrels Two, free 55-gallon rain barrels. In the future, discounted rain barrels and cisterns will be available in a range of storage sizes. |
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Laundry-To-Landscape Gray Water Kits Free kit that includes the indoor and outdoor components of a laundry-to-landscape gray water system. |
Eligibility Criteria
- Eligible participants are Bernalillo County property owners who do not receive water service from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority.
- Customers can participate in each program one time per property.
- There is an annual incentive cap per property to ensure that available funds are distributed to the greatest number of people.
- Customers must participate in a water efficiency consultation to qualify for water conservation incentives. The consultation evaluates opportunities for indoor and outdoor water efficiency, and provides estimated water savings for all available water conservation incentives.
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Bernalillo County is currently in a period of deepening drought. Drought is defined as a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period of time (usually a season or more), resulting in a water shortage.[1] The drought status is severe, extreme, or exceptional across the County (see map below). Reservoir storage and flows in the Rio Grande River are low.
The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority (Water Authority) has declared a Stage One Drought Watch. Under a Drought Watch, water waste fines double and the Water Authority increases its education and outreach efforts in order to prevent excessive water use.[2] The Water Authority anticipates relying more on groundwater reserves (as opposed to the river) this year for its water supply.[3] The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) has delayed the start of the irrigation season to April 1 and expects to be able to deliver water through June, with some restrictions in place. After spring runoff, irrigators have been advised to expect periods where no water is available from the MRGCD.[4]
In our arid desert region, water is scarce at all times, but particularly during a drought. There are resources available to support you in evaluating your water use and finding ways to use water more efficiently.
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The ABQ Backyard Refuge certification has been launched! Backyard refuges are part of an interconnected system of public and private lands that sustain wildlife.
The Friends of Valle de Oro have created an introductory guide, regionally-specific plant list, and certification workbook to support you in creating your own backyard refuge. Any space can be certified as an ABQ Backyard Refuge, including a yard, patio, balcony, or community space.
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In each Water Conservation Program news bulletin, we recommend one water conservation resource relevant to our arid region. This month, we highlight 505 Outside, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority’s online resource for everything landscaping in the greater Albuquerque metropolitan area. It provides water-efficient landscaping practices, recommended plants, watering recommendations, and seasonal tips. Sign up to receive the monthly newsletter.
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