The Animas River at Berg Park looking to west has slowed to a trickle. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
The Animas River at Berg Park looking to west has slowed to a trickle. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Aztec City Manager Jeff Blackburn on Wednesday announced that beginning Aug. 18, residents would face mandatory restrictions until further notice under a Stage 2 water shortage emergency.

The restrictions apply to all residents, businesses, institutions and industrial facilities using city water and to all parks and properties owned by the city, county and state.

Under the restrictions, no customer may use city water to irrigate any lawn, garden, tree or shrub except between the hours of 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or between the hours of 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. of any day on which irrigation is permitted. No watering will be allowed with wind speeds reach more than 12 mph.

Residents with even-numbered addresses may water Wednesday and Saturday only, from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Odd-numbered addresses may water Thursday and Sunday only, 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

A person, firm or corporation engaging in the business growing or selling plants is exempt, but “shall only use city-provided water,” the announcement said. “To avoid conflicting with publicly scheduled water usage and to minimize impacts to reserves at the water plant facility, an alternate schedule for city parks may be authorized by the City Manager when provided by the General Services Department.”

Animas River at Berg Park looking to the east demonstrates the need for water restrictions. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Animas River at Berg Park looking to the east demonstrates the need for water restrictions. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca

Additionally, the announcement said:

Concrete asphalt and other impervious surfaces, including vehicles, may be washed with a nozzled hose, power washer only on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays unless a health hazard exists. Surfaces include sidewalks, parking lots, ramps and loading docks.

No swimming pool or spa or hot tub will be filled, and no city water shall be added to any pool or tub, unless it is transported from another source. Enclosed city or school swimming pools are exempt.

Water features that recirculate water may be used except with wind speeds surpass 12 mph.

The schedule for the Splash Park at Minium Park will be determined by the city manager in consultation with the Parks Director and Water Chief Operator.

Stage 1 plan

When rotation begins, all municipalities should implement their drought management. To help ensure the rotation is fair for everyone, here are the suggested guidelines:• City of Farmington should be limited to the Penny Lane river pump only.• Farmers Irrigation District should not divert water for the city of Farmington.• City of Aztec should be limited to its river pump only.• Farmers Mutual Ditch should be limited to its San Juan River diversion plus any remaining water available in the Animas River at its headgate.• Lower Animas Ditch and Aztec Ditch should not divert water for the city of Aztec.• All diversion dams should be in good working order (and not set too high) after peak runoff.

Ducks fly west above the Animas River at Berg Park on Wednesday. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Record
Ducks fly west above the Animas River at Berg Park on Wednesday. David Edward Albright/Tri-City Recordcca