County: Odd-Even Watering Schedule And Tiered Water Rates Begin

COUNTY NEWS

Officials with the Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities remind water customers that water rule W-8 and peak season water rates both begin this weekend on May 1 and continue through September 30. 

Water rule W-8 specifies that customers water outdoor landscapes before 10 a.m. or after 5 p.m. and adhere to an odd-even watering schedule. Customers with odd numbered addresses water on Sundays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while customers with even numbered addresses water on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.  Water waste is also prohibited under the water rule.  Customers should apply water to landscapes in a manner that does not cause water to overflow or spray onto streets or sidewalks.  When washing vehicles, equipment or hard surfaces, such as driveways, customer should use an automatic shut-off nozzle attached to the hose.

May is also when tiered water rates go into effect. During the five months of peak watering, the charge for residential customers is $5.79 per thousand gallons for the first 9,000 gallons; $6.15 per thousand gallons for the next 6,000 gallons or up to 15,000 gallons; and $7.36 per thousand gallons for water consumed over 15,000 gallons. Multi-family customers are charged $5.79 per thousand gallons for the first 9,000 gallons; $6.09 per thousand gallons for the next 6,000 gallons or up to 15,000 gallons; and $6.22 per thousand gallons for water consumed over 15,000 gallons.

The Customer Care representatives are available to answer questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 505.662.8333 or CustomerCare@lacnm.us.  Lobby windows in the Municipal Building are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for in-person business. 

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) operates the county-owned electric, gas, water & wastewater systems under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities. Board meetings are currently held via Zoom on the third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public are welcome to join. Zoom instructions are included on the Board agenda documents available at https://ladpu.com/BPUMeetings. The DPU is funded by rates paid for electric, gas, water and wastewater services and auxiliary fees, and has provided the community with these services for more than 50 years. CustomerCare@lacnm.us | 505.662.8333 | https://ladpu.com/Utilities