Continued dry conditions throughout the Southwest lead to more restrictions; impacting the landscape industry in affected areas.

With nearly half of the state mired in exceptional drought conditions, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor Map, cities and towns all across New Mexico are restricting water usage. Santa Fe has even implemented landscape requirements as an added water conservation measure.

The state's capital is preparing for its third consecutive year of severe drought and heat. Requirements on landscapers include the regulation that turf grass sod or turf grass seed mixes installed within the city limits be limited to 25 percent or less of Kentucky bluegrass. Permits are required for all new irrigation system installations and major renovations of existing irrigation systems such as the installation of additional zones or backflow prevention devices, which must be UPC approved and are required for all irrigation systems connected to the city water system. In addition, shut-off nozzles are required on hoses used for hand watering, overhead spray irrigation is prohibited for watering trees and shrubs, and water from landscape irrigation cannot flow onto hard surfaces or neighboring properties.