Farmington Asks Residents to Conserve Water

Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 11:01 AM

The city is urging citizens to reduce water usage by 10%. The advisory goes into effect June 1 and will remain in place until further notice. The water advisory is a result of recent drought conditions. Lake Farmington is the city’s public drinking water system supplied by surface water from the Animas and San Juan Rivers. The lake still remains at nearly 100% of its capacity. However, low stream flows, combined with the prospect for continuing drought conditions and the lack of snow pack from last winter, prevents the City from replenishing the water supply.

From the City of Farmington

Wednesday, May 27, 2021

The Farmington City Council passed a resolution during last night’s council meeting enacting a stage one water shortage advisory urging citizens to reduce water usage by 10%. The advisory goes into effect June 1 and will remain in place until further notice.
The water advisory is a result of recent drought conditions. Lake Farmington is the city’s public drinking water system supplied by surface water from the Animas and San Juan Rivers. The lake still remains at nearly 100% of its capacity. However, low stream flows, combined with the prospect for continuing drought conditions and the lack of snow pack from last winter, prevents the City from replenishing the water supply.
The City of Farmington is asking residents to voluntarily reduce water consumption to lower the overall demand on the system and preserve the water in storage by practicing the following:
• Landscape or lawn watering should be limited in such a manner so as to reduce overall water usage by at least 10%
• Landscape or lawn watering with automated sprinkler systems between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. is discouraged. Landscape or lawn watering with manual sprinkler systems between the hours of 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. is discouraged.
• Watering early in the morning is recommended to avoid excess evaporation and discourage fungus growth, and lawns should be aerated to improve absorption and reduce runoff. Lawn watering should be done only when the lawn needs watering.
• Sprinkler systems should be shut off when it is raining.
• Installation of new landscaping is discouraged and if any new plant material is installed, only drought resistant or low-water-use plants should be used. Mulch should be placed around all existing plants, trees, shrubs, or flower gardens to hold moisture in the soil.
• Washing of hard surfaces, such as parking lots, driveways or sidewalks, is discouraged.
• Indoor and outdoor leaks should be repaired immediately upon discovery.
• Restaurants should be encouraged to provide water to customers only upon request.
• Car washing at residences is discouraged. All hoses used for landscape watering, car washing or other uses should be equipped with a shut off nozzle.
• Water users are encouraged to replace old plumbing fixtures with low flow fixtures.
• Water users are encouraged to take shorter showers; not to let the water run continuously while brushing teeth or shaving; and to flush only when necessary.
• Appliances which use water, such as dishwashers and clothes washers, should be run only with full loads.
• Hot water heaters should be insulated; the temperature set appropriately; and partially drained once per year.
For additional tips on reducing water consumption, visit fmtn.org/drought.

More from Local News

Durango Begins Water Restrictions

Irrigation for lawns accounts for 70% of Durango’s water usage, so outdoor landscape will be limited to three days a week between the hours of 7 p.m. and 9 a.m. for both residential and commercial users. Odd-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Even-numbered addresses are restricted to watering on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays. Outdoor landscape irrigation is prohibited during all hours on Wednesdays.
Candidates for San Juan County Sheriff Speak with KSJE

All four republican candidates for San Juan County Sheriff have sat down for an interview with KSJE General Manager Scott Michlin.
Police ID Suspect and Officers involved in Hines Rd. Shooting

Upon arrival, officers observed a male and female walking who matched the provided descriptions. Officers gave commands for Leon Quintana (27) to place his hands on his head and walk backward toward them. During the encounter, Mr. Quintana hesitated and shifted his movements while officers continued giving commands. He then produced a firearm and fired a shot toward officers, striking an officer’s patrol car. A second shot was also fired.
2 Year Old Reunited with Father, Mother Arrested

A complex investigation began, tracking Ms. Salazar across multiple states with cooperation from several law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Marshal’s Service, that concluded last week when Ms. Salazar was arrested on her warrant and the child was returned to New Mexico where he is now with Mr. West.
Candidates File to Run in the NM June 2nd Primary

These candidates have filed to run in the New Mexico Primary on June 2, 2026. We are only listing candidates in CONTESTED races.
Navajo Nation agrees (again) to help fund N-36/NM 371 Intersection Improvements

The agreement authorizes NDOT to transfer $2,790,647 to NMDOT to administer procurement and construction of the NM371/N36 Intersection Improvement Project. This long-needed project will include roadway widening and the installation of a traffic signal and lighting system designed to reduce accidents, improve traffic flow, and enhance overall public safety for residents, school buses, emergency responders, and travelers who rely on this heavily used corridor.