Santa Fe Water Division

Santa Fe Water Division implements a local water conservation ordinance regulating indoor and outdoor use combined with financial incentives designed to foster a long-standing culture of water efficiency in its community. These programs have reduced per capita utility customer demand by 42% since 1995, and total water system demand is down ~30% as compared with 20 years ago, among many other benefits. Click the link below to download the full case study.

Project At a Glance

Utility Overview

Utility: Santa Fe Water Division
Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Population served: 80,000
Service area: 37 square miles

Challenges

Declining water availability and reliability
Anticipated rapid population growth
Climate change

Solution

Diversified water conservation and efficiency programs, projects, and regulations that promote decentralized infrastructure.

Costs and Funding Sources

Total conservation program budget: ~$223,300
Levee fund. The levee fund is a conservation fee collected from utility customers each billing cycle. These funds become part of the Division’s operating budget.
Conservation Fund. The conservation fund is fueled by an annual fee and can be used on any of the Division’s various conservations program. Any unused funds from this annual fee roll over into the next year.