Farmington Delays Stage 3 Drought Restrictions

Tuesday, July 3, 2018 at 12:15 PM

“As of the last rolling 10 day average, water consumption has gone down 10.6%,” stated Mayes. Since Tuesday night’s council meeting, the community has continued to improve on water conservation efforts with a 3-day average water reduction of 18.9%. Based on average water reductions since the enactment of Stage 2 on June 13th, the City Manager stated, “This reduction shows that citizens are becoming much more aware of the potential for a water crisis and are beginning to change water consumption behavior”. “If these positive trends continue along with the potential for favorable precipitat

From the City of Farmington:

The City of Farmington is delaying the enactment of drought Stage 3. Drought Stage 2 will remain in effect. Drought Stage 3 was set to begin on July 16, 2018, however, recent community reductions in water use during Stage 2 watering restrictions has been positive, leaving City management a reasonable opportunity to delay enacting Stage 3: Water Shortage Warning, including water surcharges. The need to enact Stage 3 will be reevaluated by City management on or around August 1, 2018.

During the June 26^th regular City Council meeting, City Manager Rob Mayes, provided a water conservation update to the Mayor and Council regarding water consumption since enacting Stage 2: Water Shortage Watch, “As of the last rolling 10 day average, water consumption has gone down 10.6%,” stated Mayes. Since Tuesday night’s council meeting, the community has continued to improve on water conservation efforts with a 3-day average water reduction of 18.9%.

Based on average water reductions since the enactment of Stage 2 on June 13^th, the City Manager stated, “This reduction shows that citizens are becoming much more aware of the potential for a water crisis and are beginning to change water consumption behavior”. “If these positive trends continue along with the potential for favorable precipitation in the coming weeks, it is reasonable to believe Stage 3 can be delayed or conceivably avoided completely.”

According to Mayes, “timing for further restrictions and implementation of Stage 3 water surcharges is a delicate balance of maintaining water consumption reductions with uncertainty as to what unknown future conditions will exist for opportunities to replenish water in our reservoir”. “Surcharges are a last resort, and will only be implemented if current measures fail to ensure the safety, health, and welfare of our citizens and community”, Mayes added.

More from Local News

Gov. to Visit Flood-Stricken San Juan County

The governor’s visit was carefully scheduled to give first responders, law enforcement and emergency vehicles ample time to complete rescues and other emergency work during the flooding. Now that the floodwaters are receding and initial damage assessments are underway, the Governor will survey the disaster zone and work to get families the help they need.
National Guard, State Police carry out rescues as historic flooding hits San Juan County

New Mexico Governor Lujan Grisham preparing request for federal disaster declaration
Bloomfield: Wastewater Emergency

Bloomfield Residents and businesses: please minimize water use until further notice. Postpone laundry and dishwasher use, keep showers brief, and reduce toilet flushing when practical and sanitary. Every reduction helps limit wastewater entering the river.
Kirtland Students on Remote Learning thru Thursday

The district has worked with the Lower Valley Water Users Association on the testing needed to lift the boil water notice. Because of the number of tests required, the district has decided to keep students on remote learning as a precaution for their well-being. If test results come back early, the district must still follow processes and protocols to flush and clear the water lines at each school before in-person instruction can resume. Safety is our top priority for the well-being of our Kirtland students.
*UPDATE* Boil Water Advisory Lifted for Lower Valley Water Users

Water Samples taken from the Lower Valley Water Association system have tested negative for e-coli. The Boil Water notice has been lifted for customers.
Woman's Husband Arrested for Kirtland Killing

Through the course of the investigation, detectives discovered that Lauren Patterson’s husband, Jess Patterson, had previously resided in California and had been arrested at least 6 times for domestic violence in that state and had been arrested in July 2026 in New Mexico for battering Ms. Patterson. An autopsy revealed Ms. Patterson suffered multiple broken bones, bruising, and internal injuries.