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Sustainable Water

Take Back the Tap!

Did you know?

Bottled water is not safer than tap water? In fact, the federal government requires far more rigorous and frequent safety testing and monitoring of municipal drinking water.

Bottled water is thousands of times more expensive than tap water? Compare $0.002 per gallon for most tap water to a range of $0.89 to $8.26 per gallon for bottled waters.

Bottled water creates mountains of needless garbage and contributes to other environmental problems?
Take Back the Tap Pledge

Great Job, Albuquerque!

In 1994, Mayor Chávez and the Albuquerque City Council called for a 30% reduction in water use in ten years.

Each of us -- including you -- have helped meet our goals.

A New Goal Lies Ahead

We have already established a new goal of 40 percent reduction from 1994 levels by the year 2014.

Will we make it? The answer is up to you!

Take Action

Participate in rain water harvesting and take advantage of the City's rebate program.

Learn to love desert beauty! Convert your water-wasting garden to a colorful xeric garden.

Teach your kids about our aquifer using the USGS Ground-water aquifer page.

More ideas >>

Sustainability - Water In a high desert community such as Albuquerque, water is our most precious resource.

A Sustainable Source of Water

Rio Grande

Since 1963, City leaders and water customers have invested more than $50 million in the San Juan-Chama water project to ensure a sustainable water supply for Albuquerque.

Learn about the San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Project >>

What Mayor Chávez is Doing

"We are called to provide for the future of our families. Water conservation, reuse and recycling and the Drinking Water Project are intended to do just that."
-Mayor Chávez, co-chair of the Mayors Water Council, a task force of the U.S. Conference of Mayors

Here's how local government has done its part:

Public Housing Water Consumption Reduction - Family and Community Services entered into an innovative contract with the Citizens Conservation Services, a national energy service provider, which estimated an annual water reduction potential of 24% after completion of improvements identifiied in their energy audit.

Bio-diverse Landscapes - As Albuquerque strives to reduce water use and convert to a natural landscape, many park sites will be improved while conserving valuable resources and reducing maintenance needs. Since the mid 1980's, The Parks Department has reduced total water use while adding many new parks.

Better Equipment-- Older parks now have water meters to better manage irrigation.

Xeriscaping -- Low water use landscaping is being used in new City development, with the exception of some parks and new golf courses.

Irrigation -- The Southside Water Reclamation Plant is treating and recycling wastewater for irrigation.
Low Flow Fixtures -- Community Centers and nearly 300 public housing units have switched to low flow fixtures.
Recycled Water -- Rio Grande Zoo exhibits use recycled water.

View a full list of city accomplishments >>

Xeriscaping Programs

The City of Albuquerque promotes xeriscaping as a way to conserve water in our high desert community. In fact, by implementing a "xeric" landscape at your home or business, you can earn a rebate on your water bill! Xeriscape Guide