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BernCo News Bulletin - September 2021

Why outdoor water conservation matters

In recent years, the focus of water conservation has shifted from indoors to outdoors. There are several reasons for this change. First, opportunities for indoor water savings have diminished after more than 25 years of federal regulations requiring water-efficient plumbing fixtures and appliances. Second, our region is warming due to climate change. The higher temperatures and longer growing season mean our landscapes use more water. Finally, the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program estimates that more that 50% of water used outdoors is wasted due to inefficient irrigation methods and systems.

There are simple ways to improve water efficiency outdoors. 

1. Apply only the water your plants need.

Plants benefit from deep but infrequent watering. Your goal is to water through the root zone of the plant with each application of water. Use a probe (e.g. a long screwdriver) to check the watering depth after irrigating. Adjust your watering schedule each month in accordance with the weather. Ramp up your water use in spring as temperatures warm and plants put on new growth. Ramp down your watering in the fall beginning in August as temperatures cool and days grow shorter. Add or subtract days instead of changing run times, so you maintain the correct watering depth for the plant. For more information on how to water, see the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s Seasonal Watering Recommendations.

2. Use an efficient irrigation system.

If you use an irrigation system, drip irrigation is the right choice for all plants except turf grasses. Drip irrigation applies water directly to the root zone of plants, minimizing evaporation and runoff. If feasible, put deep-rooted plants (e.g. trees and shrubs) on a separate irrigation zone from shallow-rooted plants (e.g. perennials), so run times and frequency of irrigation can be matched to plant water needs. Consider installing a smart irrigation controller that sets your irrigation schedule in accordance with weather and site conditions. Bernalillo County residents who are not connected to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority water system can receive a discounted ($90-$110) smart irrigation controller through Bernalillo County’s Smart Irrigation Controller Program. Water Authority customers can receive a rebate of 25% up to $100 on a smart irrigation controller, among several Irrigation Efficiency Rebates.

3. Maintain your irrigation system.

All irrigation systems need maintenance. At minimum, walk your irrigation system at the beginning of every irrigation season to look for leaks and maintenance needs. Use this Irrigation Maintenance Checklist from the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority as a guide. Investing a couple of hours in maintenance each year can save tens of thousands of gallons of water.

Local Plant Lists

Are you interested in learning more about plants that thrive in our arid climate? We’re fortunate to have several excellent plants lists that were developed specifically for our region. Plant lists provide key information that will assist you not only in selecting the right plants, but finding the right planting location in your yard.  1. Xeriscaping: The Complete How-To Guide (Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority) This guide includes a plant list that offers hundreds of plants suited to our region. It is the best source of information on water requirements for plants. The Water Authority’s companion 505Outside website also features a section on Plants that includes plant photographs and tips for success. 2. Albuquerque Climate-Ready Trees List (The Nature Conservancy) A list of urban-adapted tree species that can survive current climate conditions and climate change over the next century. Trees included on the list received high scores on extreme heat and cold tolerance, soil texture tolerance, and drought tolerance. The list is organized by planting location type (e.g. xeriscaped residential yard) to ensure the selection of “the right tree for the right place.” 3. Bernalillo County Green Stormwater Infrastructure Plant List (Bernalillo County) A list of plants for rainwater harvesting features (also called green stormwater infrastructure) in Bernalillo County. These plants were selected to thrive on harvested rainwater alone after establishment. The list includes where to install plants in the rainwater harvesting feature (i.e. inundation, transition, and high ground zones).   4. Backyard Refuge Plant List (Friends of Valle de Oro) A list of plants for wildlife gardens for the Middle Rio Grande Valley, Albuquerque metro area, and East Mountains. The plants on this list are largely native. This list includes the flowering/fruiting season and habitat value of plants. In addition to plant lists, local nurseries are excellent resources for regionally-appropriate plants.

Bernalillo County Smart Water Monitor Pilot Program Extended

Receive a Smart Water Monitor for $25!

Originally scheduled to terminate on September 30, 2021, the Bernalillo County Water Conservation Program is extending its Smart Water Monitor Pilot Program. Smart water monitors provide real-time water usage data to your smartphone. They offer a detailed picture of how your household uses water by reporting water usage by plumbing fixture type. They also notify you if a leak is detected anywhere in your home.

Through the pilot program, you can receive either a Flume Smart Home Water Monitor or a Phyn Smart Water Assistant for $25, in exchange for feedback on the device. The pilot program is offering 100 smart water monitors on a first-come, first-served basis. Bernalillo County residents who are not connected to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority water system are eligible. To learn more about the Smart Water Monitor Pilot Program, visit Bernalillo County’s Water Conservation Incentive Programs web page.

Source Water Protection Week

From September 26 - October 2, the American Water Works Association (AWWA) is hosting the first Source Water Protection Week. The best way to ensure we have high quality drinking water is to protect our water sources from pollution. Visit AWWA’s Source Water Protection Week webpage to learn more about the event and to sign up to receive AWWA’s Source Water Protection Week materials. 

You can also tune in to Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s social media accounts for local information about our water sources, ways you can support source water protection efforts, and see and share photos from various parts of our watershed.

Contact Us

If you would like more information, contact the Bernalillo County Water Conservation Program at waterconservation@bernco.gov or (505) 244-2158.

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