The City of Hobbs has announced the dates of its annual Water Conservation Period (WCP) for 2021.

This year’s WCP is from Saturday, the 15^th of May through Wednesday, the 15^th of September. During the WCP special restrictions will be placed on all users, commercial and residential, regarding exterior watering or sprinkling of gardens, lawns and other spaces.

What Days May I Water?

Dates to water are designated by the property owner’s “… number of their address and the calendar date; odd numbered addresses water on odd calendar dates and even numbered addresses water on even calendar dates,” states a press release from the City of Hobbs.

Owners of properties with two addresses, like a corner lot, should use the address listed on their water bill to determine their designated watering days.

What Times May I Water?

Watering is allowed only one time per designated day. Watering times are either:

• 4:00 am – 8:00 am
• 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm

No watering is allowed on the 31^st of May, July or August, the months during the conservation period with 31 days.

Year-Long Regulations That Continue During The WPC

Hobbs has certain year-long water-wasting regulations that remain in effect during the WCP.

Please note that at all times individuals, firms, corporations and municipal/governmental facilities are prohibited to “waste, cause, or permit” the waste of water.

According to the press release, activities that are prohibited include:

• Watering on an incorrect day and/or two times per day.
• Allowing water to run onto public property, such as alleys or streets, or onto another’s property.
• Using an open hose to wash vehicles, driveways, sidewalks and the like.
• Employing a mister in “unoccupied non-residential areas”.
• Using an irrigation system with a broken head or one that sprays more than ten percent (10%) of its water onto streets, sidewalks and the like.
• Failing to repair leaks such as broken sprinkler heads and valves, leaking faucets and leaking toilets.

Fines

Please note that fines may be incurred for violations of regulations related to the WPC.

Established Since 2015

In 2015, the Hobbs WCPwas established in Chapter 13.20 of the City of Hobbs Municipal Code. The code allows the City Commission to, from time-to-time, adapt and amend the regulations regarding water conservation.

Purpose of the WPC

The purpose of the WCPis to curtail the waste of water in Hobbs, especially during the city’s months when rainfall is the lowest and temperatures are the hottest.  Water supply has long been a concern for New Mexico residents, particularly in the dry southeast, with the Ogallala aquifer quickly depleting and what little river water exists in the state being used up by fossil fuel and agriculture industries across NM, Colorado and Texas.

Since its adoption, more than 350,000 gallons of water have been saved each year through the Hobbs WCP. This amounts to more than 1,8 billion gallons since 2015. “In the desert climate our area lies in, this magnitude of water conservation goes a particularly long way,” said Hobbs Director of Communications Meghan Mooney.

For Help

Should you need help complying with the law the City of Hobbs Water Office is there for you. Call them at: (575) 397-9315, weekdays from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

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