Under Water Rule W-8: In effect May 1 through Sept. 30, the following outdoor watering schedule is implemented: 1. All addresses water outdoor landscaping before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m., 2. Odd addresses irrigate on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday, and 3. Even addresses irrigate on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Courtesy/LAC

COUNTY News:

Community members who irrigate their yards are reminded that Water Rule W-8 is in effect until Oct. 1. Falling under the rules and regulations of the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU), W-8 defines watering schedules by the street address numbers.

“The combination of hot temperatures and a water well that is temporarily offline for electrical repairs is impacting water levels in the wells for our water distribution system,” said DPU Deputy Utility Manager Clay Moseley. “People often assume Water Rule W-8 is only about conservation but in situations like this, it is also about simply maintaining reliable water service for the community.”

Under the water rule, utility customers are directed to irrigate no more than three times per week either before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. If all customers would observe the rule and irrigate within the scheduling parameters, DPU’s currently operating wells would return to sustainable and manageable levels.

If water levels in the wells continue to drop, DPU may have to turn to costly solutions. Should that occur, those costs could impact future water rates.

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 evaporation affects irrigation the most.

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