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1. What drought stage are we currently in?

The City has enacted the following drought stages:

• Drought Stage 1: Enacted September 9, 2020.

For the most up-to-date information, please visit our website.

2. How do I report water waste?

Call any one of the following numbers to report water waste:

• For leaks and breaks related to water or sewer: (505) 326-1918 
• For sprinkler over-spray and/or breaks in parks, medians, or at City of Farmington facilities: (505) 320-2993 
• For neighborhood watering schedule violations, sprinklers over-spray,  and/or breaks at local businesses: (505) 334-6622 
• For sprinklers on Farmington Municipal School (FMS) property: (505) 599-8621 

3. Do watering restrictions, violation fees, and water surcharges apply to people who are on irrigation or well water?

No, community members need to know their water provider.  If it is not the City of Farmington, the stage 2 watering schedule and violation fees will not apply.  Stage 3 water surcharges will also not be assessed if a community member is not on City of Farmington water.

4. Who can report watering that occurs on incorrect days?

Anyone can report.  Neighbors, passer by, police, meter readers, etc.

5. Does the stage 2 watering schedule apply to car washes?

No. Car washes use low flow, high pressure washing mechanisms and recycle much of the water they use.  Car washes are, however, subject to stage 3 water surcharges.

6. Does the stage 2 watering schedule apply to my garden?

Yes, all landscape watering ( shrubs, gardens, trees, plants, lawns, et.) is on the three day watering restriction and should be watered according to address type.

7. How did the City calculate the 6,000 gallon/household?

The City of Farmington put quite a bit of thought and consideration into the study of this number. Unfortunately, it was not easy to derive for many reasons. First, it was not feasible to accurately (or easily) determine the actual number of people living in a household. We also could not determine household pets, swimming pools, hots tubs, landscape size or design, or other water using determinants without invading citizen privacy. As such, we used the most recent US Census data, which indicated that the average Farmington family size is just less than 3. With that knowledge, and the up-to-date gallons per capita per month of 2,000, as determined by the 40 year water plan we just received, we arrived at an average household winter baseline usage of 6,000 gallons (Average of 3 people/household x 2,000/person=6,000).

We know it seems low, but it was the most accurate and reasonable way to determine a household average winter baseline use without requiring our citizen’s to submit tax forms, etc.

8. Who imposes the fees in stage 2 for non-compliance of watering schedule restrictions?

City of Farmington's Code Compliance will impose the fees as per the schedule in  Ordinance No. 2018-1306, dealing with penalties for violation of water use restrictions.  Citizen's who have been reported for water violations will receive a Uniform Water Restriction Violation Form from Code Compliance indicating offense and/or fee. When a fee is imposed for violation, it will be sent to  the Farmington Electric Utility Customer Service to apply to the customer's bill.

9. What are the fees for non-compliance of the watering schedule?

All violations of stage 2, 3 or 4 water use restrictions shall be under the jurisdiction of the water conservation hearing officer, who shall be the city manager, or such other person designated by the city manger, to serve as an impartial arbitrator at any hearings related to the enforcement of this chapter. Any person, firm, or corporation who is determined to have violated any required provision of this division shall be required to pay the following fees:

Stage 2 - Water shortage watch

First violation	Notice of violation-no fee.
Second violation	$100.00
Third violation	$300.00
Fourth violation	$500.00 and/or suspension

Stage 3 - Water shortage warning

First violation	Notice of violation-no fee.
Second violation	$200.00
Third violation	$400.00
Fourth violation	$500.00 and/or suspension

Stage 4 - Water shortage emergency

First violation	$200.00
Second violation	$400.00
Third violation	$500.00 and/or suspension

10. What are the water surcharges?

STAGE 3:

Schedule A

Customer Class	Gallons per Month	Surcharge per 1,000 Gallons
Residential single, two family Unit, & Senior Citizens	0-2,000	-$20.00 (credit)*
	0-3,000	-$15.00 (credit)*
	0-6,000	-$10.00 (credit)*
	6,001-12,000	$5.00
	12,001-20,000	$10.00
	20,001-40,000	$22.50
	40,001 and up	$30.00

*Credits are only applied if total monthly use remains under 6,000 gallons.

The rate for usage by commercial or non-residential customers shall be increased by $2.00 per 1,000 gallons on all usage. Unless, otherwise noted, commercial customers shall include: No Base Commercial, Mobile Home Parks, Municipal General, General Single Unit, General Multi, Hydrant Flow Meters, Residential Multi and General Service Parks & Recreation. Bulk water users shall also be included where or if provided by contract.

STAGE 4:

Schedule B

Customer Class	Gallons per Month	Surcharge per 1,000 Gallons
Residential single, two family Unit, & Senior Citizens	0-2,000	-$20.00 (credit)*
	0-3,000	-$15.00 (credit)*
	0-6,000	-$10.00 (credit)*
	6,001-12,000	$10.00
	12,001-20,000	$20.00
	20,001-40,000	$45.00
	40,001 and up	$60.00

*Credits are only applied if total monthly use remains under 6,000 gallons.

The rate for usage by commercial or non-residential customers shall be increased by $4.00 per 1,000 gallons on all usage. Unless, otherwise noted, commercial customers shall include: No Base Commercial, Mobile Home Parks, Municipal General, General Single Unit, General Multi, Hydrant Flow Meters, Residential Multi and General Service Parks & Recreation. Bulk water users shall also be included where or if provided by contract.

11. Why are there no restrictions on the athletic fields?

City of Farmington employees are stewards of the public infrastructure that tax-paying citizens built. During this time of drought, the City is tasked with balancing water restrictions for private residents and appropriately managing and caring for the millions of dollars worth of infrastructure and landscaping that have been purchased by the taxpayers. City management is walking a fine line of keeping the landscape alive for the economic vitality (and aesthetics) of our community, and the enjoyment of our citizens, verses letting it deteriorate; only to be replaced later with additional taxpayer dollars.

12. Are the violation fees and water surcharges just the City's way of funding other projects?

Absolutely not!  The fees and water surcharges are painful for everyone, but are necessary to try and curtail the amount of water usage during times of drought.  While the City does have many other projects going on at this time, most of these projects have been funded through a bond series. 

13. Do the Stage 2 and Stage 3 drought restrictions apply to all City employees?

City of Farmington employees are not exempt from watering schedules or water surcharges in their personal homes