Water Conservation & Rebates

Leak Awareness & Smart Metering

Sandia Peak Utility Company recently upgraded all 2,500 water meters to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) smart meters. These meters supply precise, real-time water-use data and include continuous-flow leak detection, enabling early identification of issues that can prevent significant water loss. Through the EyeOnWater platform, residents can monitor hourly and daily consumption, set leak alerts, and review usage trends.

Household leaks waste more than 10,000 gallons per year on average. Nationwide, leaks account for over 1 trillion gallons of wasted water annually.

Common sources:

• Worn toilet flappers
• Dripping faucets
• Leaking valves

Indoor Water Conservation

Bathroom

• High-efficiency toilets — modern toilets use as little as 1.28 gallons per flush, significantly reducing indoor water use. Bernalillo County offers rebates for qualifying replacements.
• Low-flow showerheads and aerators — these fixtures maintain strong pressure while reducing water flow.
• Fix leaks immediately — a silent toilet leak can waste thousands of gallons per month.
• Turn off the tap — don't let water run while brushing teeth or shaving.

Kitchen & laundry

• Repair dripping faucets — a slow drip can waste more than 1,000 gallons a year.
• Install faucet aerators — a simple, inexpensive upgrade that reduces flow without reducing performance.
• Run full loads — dishwashers and washing machines use nearly the same amount of water regardless of load size.

Outdoor Water Conservation

Smart landscaping

• Xeriscape principles — choose drought-tolerant plants suited to our desert climate.
• Mulching — helps soil retain moisture and reduces evaporation.
• Efficient irrigation — adjust watering schedules seasonally; reduce watering in cooler months.

Watering tips

• Water during cooler hours — early morning or evening minimizes evaporation.
• Check sprinkler alignment — ensure water reaches plants, not pavement.
• Use drip irrigation — delivers water directly to roots with minimal waste.

Outdoor maintenance

• Sweep instead of spraying — use a broom to clean patios and walkways.
• Redirect rainwater — aim downspouts toward trees and shrubs.
• Rain barrels — collect rainwater, or take advantage of the Bernalillo County Rain Barrel Program by downloading the application for a reduced-cost rain barrel.

Water use facts

Understanding how much water common activities require helps identify where savings matter most. Typical household water use:

• Shower: 25 gallons
• Bath: 36 gallons
• Brushing teeth: 10 gallons
• Shaving: 20 gallons
• Washing hands: 2 gallons
• Dishwasher cycle: 16 gallons
• Washing machine cycle: 60 gallons
• Outdoor watering: 10 gallons per minute

Additional insights:

• Producing one automobile requires ~39,000 gallons of water.
• A serving of lettuce uses ~6 gallons; a serving of steak uses ~2,600 gallons.
• Over 1 billion people worldwide lack reliable access to clean water.

More resources

• EyeOnWater — track your water use and leaks
• Pecos and the Missing Pond water-conservation booklet — English (PDF) · Spanish (PDF)
• Albuquerque Area Xeriscape Plant List (PDF)