The Water Authority’s MAPS & RECORDS section has moved across the street from City Hall to the Compass Bank building,  505 Marquette Ave. NW, 14th Floor. Free parking is available at the bank.

Winter Water Watch

Prepare pipes for cold weather; shut down sprinkler systems

ALBUQUERQUE,  Dec. 1 – With sub-freezing temperatures predicted for this weekend, the Water Authority reminds its customers that it’s time to shut down sprinkler systems for the winter and to prepare household water pipes for cold weather.   Fines can be assessed for allowing water (including sprinkler overspray) to freeze on streets and sidewalks. Property owners can also be held legally responsible for damages and injuries that occur as a result of ice hazards.

During severe cold snaps, Water Authority operators take as many as 200 calls per day from people with frozen and burst pipes. Avoid trouble by taking precautions NOW:

Find the master shutoff valve.
The master shutoff valve turns off the water to the entire house. Learn its location and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. This could be critical if a pipe should burst.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and shut down your sprinkler system.
Detaching the hose allows water to drain from the pipe so an overnight freeze doesn't burst the faucet or the pipe it’s connected to. Insulate faucets exposed outdoor pipes.  For sprinkler systems, turn off the automatic timer and bleed the system of water. It’s time to put your landscaping to bed for the winter. 

Insulate pipes and faucets in unheated areas.
Wrap exposed water pipes in unheated areas (such as the garage, basement, crawl space, or space beneath your mobile home) before temperatures plummet. You can find pipe wrapping materials at any hardware or building supply store.  For a high-tech solution, consider installing "heat tape" or similar materials on exposed water pipe.  Be sure to use only UL-listed products and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks.
Winter winds whistling through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.  DO NOT plug air vents used by your furnace or water heater.

Drip a faucet, open cabinet doors.
In very cold weather, drip a faucet at the back of the house overnight or if you’re going to be away for an extended period. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.

What if it's too late?
Pipes can freeze even if precautions have been taken. If a pipe on your property freezes, the Water Authority recommends that you call a licensed plumber to make necessary repairs. If a pipe bursts and you need an emergency water shut-off, please call 857-8250.

Updated Xeriscape Guide Hits Shelves

An updated version of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority’s popular Xeriscaping:The Complete How-To Guide is now available at various locations throughout the community.
 
Designed to provide a comprehensive list of plants and trees best suited to our climate and soil, the new guide underwent extensive revision by award-winning landscape designer and author Judith Phillips.  Now more regional in scope, the guide offers “how-to” information on a wealth of topics including garden planning, plant selection, efficient irrigation, and the best plants for a particular area of town.

“We tried to make the new edition applicable throughout the middle Rio Grande region, including the East Mountains, and we partnered with Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County on the production,” said Conservation Officer Katherine Yuhas. “The earlier edition was very useful and has been extremely popular with our customers since it was first published in 1994, but it was definitely time for an update.”

Features of the updated guide include:

• Xeriscaping basics
• Tips on drip irrigation systems
• How to harvest rainwater
• How to plant and water for optimal beauty and minimal water use
• A comprehensive list of low-water trees, vines, shrubs, flowering plants, cactus and succulents, groundcovers and ornamental grasses that can thrive in the Albuquerque area

The guide is available while supplies last at local libraries, nurseries, home garden centers, and community centers.  It is also available to homeowner and neighborhood associations by calling 245-3133. This year the City of Rio Rancho and Bernalillo County are also distributing the guide.

More information is available by calling 768-3655.