WATER RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

The Water Resource Department of the Village of Ruidoso manages the community's water supply, infrastructure, and conservation efforts. It ensures reliable service, monitors water quality, and promotes sustainable practices to protect local water resources.

 

Christella Armijo- Water Resource Director

Tel: 575-973-3868
ChristellaArmijo@ruidoso-nm.gov

Adam Sanchez - Utilities Director

Tel: 575-257-2386 x2052
AdamSanchez@ruidoso-nm.gov

Randy Koehn - Water Production Manager

Tel: 575-257-5525 x2056

 

Current Water Restriction Level: Phase 5

  • Lawn watering is prohibited unless you are on a private well.

  • Vegetable plants and fruit trees must be watered by hand by filling up a container and placing water in the bib around the plant or tree.

The Importance of Water Conservation

Water conservation is important because it preserves and protects our natural resources and ensures the reliability of our water supply. Being in a high desert area, the Village of Ruidoso has always been aware of the need to conserve water actively. Currently, Ruidoso is classified as Extreme Drought. Consequently, the Village is in Phase 5 Water Restrictions.

  • There are many simple changes that we can make at home to help conserve water, including:

    ·       Install a low-flow toilet.

    ·       Shorten shower times.

    ·       Check your toilet and faucets for leaks.

    ·       Don’t leave the water running while brushing your teeth.

    ·       Run the dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads.

    ·       Don’t use running water to thaw food.

    ·       Use the garbage disposal sparingly.

    ·       Keep a pitcher of drinking water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap.

    ·       Monitor your water bill for unusually high usage.

    The best way to monitor your water bill is to sign up for the EyeOnWater Google Application. This app will help you to understand how much water you use and detect leaks. To create an account, you will need your water account number and e-mail address.

  • In an effort to incorporate growth and address prolonged drought conditions, the Village of Ruidoso Water Resource Department is planning to revise the 2016 Water Conservation Plan and update the water conservation triggers.

    By working together and making simple changes to our daily routines, we can have a significant impact to our water usage.

Water/Sewer Emergencies

Please call (575) 257-2386 during normal operating hours of 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday-Friday, or (575) 258-7365 after hours, weekends & holidays, and the Police Dispatcher will contact the on-call person.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The Village of Ruidoso revised its water rates effective July 2024 for residential and commercial use. Inside Village limits, the base rate is $37.90, and $75.80 outside. Commodity charges increase based on usage, with rates for over 20,000 gallons at $47.04 per 1,000 gallons. Commercial rates differ, and fire protection services have fixed charges. Future water and sewer rates will increase annually through 2032 to account for inflation.

    Learn more>>

  • Phase 5 restrictions have been set in place for stringent water conservation measures because of the Little Bear Fire’s impact on the Village’s water rights. The changes in the watershed as a result of the Little Bear Fire caused significant degradation in surface water quality that forced the Village to rely solely on its groundwater supply wells for a significant period of time. As a consequence of previous year’s water diversions, the Village must conservatively use the remaining water rights.

  • No. Under Phase 5 restrictions, the Village has adequate supplies of water to serve all Village customers.

  • No. The Village has a plan to refill Grindstone Reservoir over the next several years.

  • The water meter in your home and the water bill you receive each month can be valuable tools in determining if you have any water leaks. If you have leak that is in the street or before your utility meter, the leak is the responsibility of the Village, and please contact us as soon as possible at 575-257-2386. If the leak is between your meter and your home, even if it is outside the house, the leak is your responsibility.

 

Related Updates

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Environment Department Lifts Precautionary Water Advisory for Ruidoso Water System
Environment Department Lifts Precautionary Water Advisory for Ruidoso Water System

The New Mexico Environment Department lifted the precautionary water advisory for Ruidoso's Water System on August 5, 2024, marking a recovery milestone after the South Fork and Salt Fires. Initially issued on June 18, 2024, the advisory's removal reflects collaboration between NMED and Ruidoso. Other affected systems, such as Tall Pines and Cedar Creek, remain under advisory. Contact NMED for more information.

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Village of Ruidoso Updates Water Rate Structure: Important Changes Effective Immediately
Village of Ruidoso Updates Water Rate Structure: Important Changes Effective Immediately

The Village of Ruidoso has enacted Ordinance 2024-04, amending Chapter 86 of the Municipal Code to update water rates and utility regulations. Effective immediately, this ordinance introduces new rates for residential and commercial water use, addresses payment locations and delinquency procedures, and outlines penalties for unauthorized water use. These changes are based on a comprehensive study to ensure sustainable water management and cover increased utility operation costs. 

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