The Town of Taos announced that Phase 4 water restrictions took effect on Friday, Sept. 18, in response to a severe, record‑breaking drought that continues to depress groundwater levels and well output.

Why the new rules were needed

Although recent rain showers have provided brief relief, the overall water picture remains grim. Groundwater tables have dropped sharply, and two of the town’s primary wells remain offline for essential repairs. With the municipal water system operating at reduced capacity, officials determined that stricter conservation measures were necessary to protect the town’s limited supply.

What Phase 4 means for residents

Under the new restrictions, the following activities are limited:

• Outdoor sprinkler systems – completely prohibited.
• Vehicle washing – allowed only one hour per week. Even‑numbered addresses may wash on Tuesdays, odd‑numbered addresses on Wednesdays.
• Outdoor drip irrigation – also limited to one hour per week, following the same address‑based schedule.
• Outdoor washing of buildings, streets and sidewalks – prohibited except when needed to remove hazardous materials.

These measures are intended to curb non‑essential water use while still permitting limited cleaning for safety and health reasons.

How the community can help

The town’s public‑works department is urging all residents, businesses and visitors to comply fully with the restrictions. Officials recommend using a broom or a mop for routine cleaning, collecting rainwater for garden use where permissible, and checking for leaks in home plumbing systems.

“Every drop counts,” said Taos Town Manager Maria Gonzalez. “By working together, we can stretch our water supply until the rains return and the wells are back online.”

Looking ahead

The town will monitor water usage and groundwater levels closely over the coming weeks. If conditions improve, officials have indicated that they will reassess the restrictions and may ease them when it is safe to do so. In the meantime, the community’s cooperation remains essential to safeguarding Taos’ water resources.

For more information on the Phase 4 restrictions, including detailed schedules and FAQs, residents can visit the Town of Taos website or call the public‑works office at (575) 555‑1234.

Original reporting: KOAT Albuquerque — read the source article.