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1. Who do I call when I see a City vehicle disobeying the traffic laws?

Please call (505) 891-5016 so that we can help direct you to the proper manager to explain your complaint.

2. Who takes care of the City vehicles?

All City vehicles, with the exception of heavy equipment, is maintained and repaired by the Fleet Maintenance Section of the Department of Public Works.

3. What happens to decommissioned vehicles and can I buy one?

Please see our Fleet Maintenance Section page to find information on the decommissioning process.

4. Where do City vehicles get their fuel?

The City purchases its fuel for all of its vehicles and has a designated fuel pump area for its vehicles.This fuel pump area is owned and operated by the City for City use only.

5. Can I buy City fuel?

No.City fuel is for City vehicles use only.

6. What happens to used oil, batteries, and tires from City vehicles?

Used oil, batteries, and tires are disposed of in accordance to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

7. Can I dispose of my used oil, batteries, or tires at Fleet Maintenance?

No.Please dispose of your used oil, batteries, or tires in accordance to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

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1. Who oversees road construction in the City?

Road construction is overseen by four main areas: the Capital Improvements Section of the Engineering Division in the Department of Public Works, the Engineering Division of the Development Services Department (DSD), Sandoval County, and the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT). The Capital Improvements Section takes care of road construction on capital projects, a list of which can be found on the Current City Projects page. The Engineering Division of DSD handles the road construction of new subdivisions or for commercial development. Sandoval County typically does work outside the City Limits, but occasionally does work within City Limits. NMDOT handles road construction on state roads: NM 528, US 550, and Paseo del Volcan (NM 347).

2. Where can I find current road construction delays?

Please see our Road Work page for construction delays that may be present in the City of Rio Rancho. For areas outside of Rio Rancho you may want to check the New Mexico Department of Transportation’s (New Mexico Roads).

3. Who oversees the construction on NM 528?

Construction and maintenance of NM 528, as well as, US 550, and Paseo del Volcan (NM 347) is conducted by the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT).

4. What are Capital Improvement Projects?

Capital Improvement Projects are City projects to maintain and improve the infrastructure of the City. Please see our Capital Improvements Section for more information.

5. How do Capital Improvement Projects get approved?

Capital Improvement Projects are approved by the City’s Governing Body.

6. How do Capital Improvement Projects get funded?

Each Capital Improvement Project is funded differently. They can be funded by a combination of grants issued by the State or Federal government, City money generated from City water/wastewater bills, or local taxes.

7. Why do Capital Improvement Projects take so long?

Each Capital Improvement Project has phases. These phases are typically: preliminary design, final design, and construction. Each phase takes time to complete. Each phase of the project has to be funded and approved by the City’s Governing Body. Thus Capital Improvement Projects are designed years in advance to limit the time it would take to construct the project.

8. Why do we have design criteria and standard details?

The Engineering Division created standard details and design criteria for City projects. This way each project has a uniform attention to detail and meets standard engineering practices.

9. How often do the design criteria and standard details get updated?

The design criteria and standard details are updated as needed or sometimes if other agencies update their standards.

10. Why are residential roads being dug up near the water meter?

Residential roads may be dug up near the water meter for two reasons: there is a leak that is being repaired or the service line is being replaced. Leaks that are present in the road are the responsibility of the City of Rio Rancho and are fixed as soon as possible, with regards to the other types of leaks that maybe present in the City. Service lines are being replaced as part of an ongoing project known as the Water Service Line Replacement Project. This project has several phases in order to replace aging service lines with new copper ones.

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1. How do I get my dirt road graded?

Dirt roads are graded on a revolving schedule.  You can see the revolving schedule on our Dirt Road Maintenance page.

2. How do I get my dirt road paved?

Per New Mexico State Law, Chapter 3, Article 33 NMSA, 1978 Improvement Districts the City cannot pave local roads for residents. If you would like to investigate paving your road, please visit our Special Assessment District (SAD) page.

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1. Who takes care of the flags on NM 528?

The Building Maintenance Section of the Department of Public Works is responsible for the American flags only.All other flags are taken care of by the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD).Please contact PRD for any missing flags, which are not American flags, at (505) 891-5015. For American flags that are missing please report them to (505) 891-5016.

2. Which department is responsible for the flags seen around Rio Rancho?

All flags, with the exception of the American flags on NM 528, are taken care of by the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD).Please contact PRD for any missing flags at (505) 891-5015.

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1. What is GIS?

A geographic information system (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, and displaying data related to positions on the Earth’s surface.GIS can show many different kinds of data on one map.This enables people to more easily see, analyze, and understand patterns and relationships.This system helps to create the maps that are used by Global Positioning Systems (GPS).

2. Where can I get a map of the City?

You can purchase a map of the City of Rio Rancho from the Development Services Department located in City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle, NE) Suite 130 on the first floor.You can also call them at (505) 891-5005.

3. Can I get a copy of one of the GIS maps?

Yes.You can purchase a map of the City of Rio Rancho from the Development Services Department located in City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle) suite 130 on the first floor.You can also call them at (505) 891-5005.

You can also view some of our interactive maps on our Map Application Gallery page.

4. Can I download City GIS data?

Yes.You can find the data on our GIS Data Download page.The files come as *.shp or *.kmz files.If you do not find the data you are looking for, please fill out our GIS Data Request in the Request Tracker or by going to our Department of Public Works Forms page.Please note you will need to create a user name and password to access that form.

5. What type of GIS data is available?

You can find the GIS data that is available on our GIS Data Download page.The files come as *.shp or *.kmz files.

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1. How do I find out what Council District I am in?

You can visit our Council District Map to figure out which district your property falls under.

2. How do I find out about upcoming Public Meetings?

You can find information about some upcoming Public Meetings by going to our Governing Body page.

3. I received a letter indicating that the City needs my property for a project.What do I do?

Please see our Land Coordinator page to get information on the Acquisition Process.

4. What do I do with my 1099 for my taxes when my property has been acquired by the City?

There are many different avenues that you can take in regards to the 1099 tax form.Please call our Land Coordinator at (505) 891-5220 for more information.

5. What is a Fiscal Year?

A Fiscal Year (FY) is the length of a calendar year but starts in July and ends in June of the following year.For example: July 1, 2014 to June 30, 2015.

6. What is a Federal Fiscal Year?

A Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) is the length of a calendar year but starts in October and ends in September of the following year. For example: October 1, 2014 to September 30, 2015.

7. Who maintains the Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4)?

MS4 is maintained by the Development Services Department Engineering Division.They also maintain the Development Process manual.

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1. How can I get my road swept?

Road sweeping consists of sweeping paved roads that are City owned. Only City owned roads are swept as conditions permit. The City is able to sweep high traffic volume roads twice a year.  The City attempts to sweep all residential roads at least once every other year.

2. What is pavement maintenance?

Pavement Maintenance is performed to extend the life of the existing pavement and improve driving surfaces.  Full reconstruction only is needed when a roadway reaches the end of its lifecycle.  When cracks and potholes become major deficiencies, but full reconstruction is not warranted, then another method must be used to extend the lifecycle of the roadway.  One such method is surface seals such as microsurfacing.  These seals are not new pavement but a surface treatment to help protect the roadway from further weather deterioration.  Whereas, a mill and inlay is a method that removes the existing asphalt and then replaces the removed asphalt with new asphalt.  Both methods require underlying cracks and other deficiencies to be repaired before either method can be used, and both methods extend the lifecycle of the roadway by seven (7) to fifteen (15) years respectively.

3. Who takes care of the cracks and potholes on my road?

The City repairs cracks and potholes on paved City roadways.  Crack sealing is performed on cracks that are less than or equal to two (2) inches wide, whereas, crack patching is performed on cracks that are greater than two (2) inches wide.  Crack sealing and crack patching have very long repair times and are often scheduled a year in advance.  Each year the Governing Body is consulted to allow for funding to fix cracks in the roadways.  When funding is approved, each Council District is allocated the same number of repairs.

Potholes on paved City roadways are taken care of every other Friday, as conditions permit and in the order that they were reported.  For more information visit our Road Repair page.

4. Why are there cracks still visible on my road after City crews perform crack sealing?

There are two reasons why cracks may still be visible after City crews perform crack sealing: they may not be finished with the road yet or the crack is larger than two (2) inches in width and requires crack patching. If the crack requires crack patching, it will be completed at a later date, if funding permits.

5. How do I get snow removed from my road?

Snow is removed from roadways that are high traffic volume, such as arterial and collector roadways; roadways with large hills, and roads around schools, hospitals, and fire and police stations first.  Other high traffic volume roadways are cleared second.  The City does not perform snow and ice removal from residential roads.  Please see the Snow Removal page for more information.

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1. Where do I apply for permits?

All permits, with the exception of the CIP ROW permit, are handled in the Development Services Department on the first floor of City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle, NE) Suite 130.

2. Where can I get a permit for new construction on my home?

All permits are handled in the Development Services Department on the first floor of City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle, NE) Suite 130.

3. Where do I go to have an inspection done on my home from recent construction?

Inspections for your home are handled in the Development Services Department on the first floor of City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle, NE) Suite 130.

4. Where can I get a Business License?

You can apply for a Business License at the Office of the City Clerk located on the first floor of City Hall (3200 Civic Center Circle, NE) Suite 150.

5. What is a CIP ROW Permit?

A CIP ROW Permit stands for Capital Improvement Project Right-of-Way Permit.This permit is for use by contractors working on City Capital Improvement Projects.

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1. How do I get the rebates offered by the Utilities Department?

You can find information on our rebates by going to the Rebates page.

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1. Where do I pay the traffic ticket I received from a red light camera or speed van?

You can pay your traffic ticket at the Municipal Court (500 Quantum Road) at one of the payment windows. If you have any questions about the ticket, you can call (505) 891-5999.

2. Do the red light cameras record the intersections and accidents that may occur?

Traffic cameras at intersections for red light running and speeding violations only take pictures when they are activated. They do not record on a constant basis. For more information about how the cameras operate please call (505) 896-8307.

3. Why is a Mobile Speed Monitoring Unit running with no one in or around the vehicle?

The speed vans are programmed to start their engine to charge their battery for the cameras and operating system. The program triggers automatically when the battery is below a certain percentage.

4. Where can I find more information on red light cameras and mobile speed monitoring units?

Both red light cameras and mobile speed monitoring units are part of the Safe Traffic Operations Program (STOP). If you have any questions please call (505) 896-8307 or use the Rio Rancho Safe Traffic Operations Program (STOP) Form on the Request Trackerpage.

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1. How can I slow down traffic on my road?

You can find out ways to slow down traffic on your road by looking at our Traffic Calmingpage.

2. How do I get speed humps on my road?

Speed humps have a limited effectiveness which means that there are not many streets that would benefit from their placement. However, you can still slow down traffic on your road by following the steps listed on our Traffic Calming page.

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1. What is a Special Assessment District (SAD)?

A Special Assessment District, also known as a SAD, is a means to provide property owners infrastructure that was not built at the time their subdivision was created.The State of New Mexico refers to such subdivision land as “Premature Platting”.Please see our Special Assessment District (SAD) Information page for more information.

2. Why does the developer not have to build the required infrastructure?

Developers of planned subdivisions are required to build the necessary infrastructure associated with their development.However, as a result of the “Premature Platting” having been performed long before the City of Rio Rancho existed (incorporated in 1981) there is no single developer of the subdivision.Each individual property owner, when he or she builds on the individual property owned, is the developer of that lot.Therefore, a SAD places the cost of the infrastructure on the developed who, in this case, is also the individual property owner.

3. How am I notified that my property is in a SAD?

The address used for the mailing list is obtained from the County Assessor’s Office.Therefore, the mailing are sent to the same persona and address that the County Property Tax bills are sent.It is thus in your best interest to contact the County Tax Assessor’s Office to verify that they have the correct name and contact information.It is best if you provide them with both the physical address (if one exists) and the legal address.For the legal address be sure to provide the Unit Number, Block Number, and Lot Number of each lot of concern.

4. When will I be notified that my property is in a SAD?

At the very beginning of a SAD the City sends out a poll to each property owner to reflect their desire to participate in a SAD.The poll is not part of the legal SAD process and is, therefore, only sent via regular mail to the same address as the County Property Tax bills.The legal SAD process notifications such as those for the Benefit Hearing and the Assessment Hearing are sent via certified mail.

5. What if I want some of the infrastructure improvements but not all?

Inclusion of infrastructure improvements is determined based on engineering research.Therefore, the improvements either will be included or not be included based on engineering principles.

6. Can I get more improvements than those proposed?

If the inclusion of additional improvement is supported by engineering research and the other SAD participants then it may be possible.Such changes are governed by the maximum benefit to the property, the cost of the improvements, and the timing of the request.

7. Why does it cost me extra money to have a SAD than someone else who already has the infrastructure?

Developers of planned subdivisions are required to build the necessary infrastructure associated with their development.However, as a result of the “Premature Platting” having been performed long before the City of Rio Rancho existed (incorporated in 1981) there is no single developer of the subdivision.Each individual property owner, when he or she builds on the individual property owned, is the developer of that lot.Therefore, a SAD places the cost of the infrastructure on the developed who, in this case, is also the individual property owner.

8. How much will my assessment be?

The amount of the assessment is first estimated by the design engineer so a cost may be compared to the benefit to the property.This estimated amount is available at the time of Resolution 2.However, the actual amount of the assessment will not be known until bids are received from the contractor and the low bidder is identified.This information is mailed to each property owner and is presented at the Assessment Hearing.

9. When do I have to pay my assessment?

Assessments may be financed through the City or they may be paid in full during the cash pay period.On the average it takes about a year from the time a SAD is started to the time of the Cash Pay Period.If the assessment is financed the payback period and schedule is set in the Assessment Ordinance after Resolution 4.

10. How long do I have to pay the assessment?

If the assessment is financed the payback period and schedule is set in the Assessment Ordinance after Resolution 4.

11. What is the interest rate if I decide not to pay the assessment during the cash pay period?

The interest rate is set by the New Mexico Finance Authority at the time the bonds are sold.

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1. What is a Traffic Study?

There are two types of traffic studies: traffic impact study and a traffic volume study. A traffic impact study analyzes the impact of traffic from a new development, business, or a new road to name a few examples. A traffic volume study analyzes the amount of traffic in a given area.Traffic volume studies are usually conducted to determine if there is a requirement for traffic calming.

A Traffic Study analyzes the traffic on a given road.It records the amount of traffic, average speed of traffic, the speed of most of the vehicles, and the speed of those vehicles that exceed the speed of most drivers.It is with this data that Traffic Calming may be implemented.

2. Do the cameras for Traffic impact and volume studies record data?

The only recorded data is for Traffic counts at intersections for a specified project. This data is stored in a *.mio file format.It is deleted at the completion of the project. For further details please see our Collection and Use of Traffic Video Data Policy^PDF.

3. Can I have access to the Traffic impact and volume studies data?

You may request data on Traffic Impact and Traffic Volume studies by calling: (505) 891-5016. Please specify the area (cross streets or street) that you would like the information from.

4. How long do you keep the data for the Traffic impact and volume studies?

Please see our Collection and Use of Traffic Video Data Policy^PDF to see how long any traffic data is kept, if it is kept at all.

5. How often are Traffic impact and volume studies conducted?

Traffic impact studies are conducted as needed. Traffic volume studies are conducted on a road as requested. Please call (505) 891-5016 to request a Traffic volume study on your road.

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1. How do I report a malfunctioning (bulb out, etc.) or damaged street light?

You can report it by going to our Report Rio Rancho application to fill out a service request, or by calling (505) 891-5016 to report the street light. Please include the location (cross streets or in front of an address), and the behavior of the light (is it flickering, completely out, been run over, etc.). If you would like updates, such as when parts are ordered or when it will be fixed, then please leave your name and a contact number. We will put it on our log and fix it as soon as we are able.

2. How do I report a missing street sign?

You can report it by going to our Report Rio Rancho application to fill out a service request, or by calling (505) 891-5016 to report the street sign. Please include the location (cross streets), and the sign or signs that are missing. If you would like updates, such as when parts are ordered or when it will be fixed, then please leave your name and a contact number. We will put it on our log and fix it as soon as we are able.

3. How do I report a malfunctioning traffic signal?

You can report it by going to our Report Rio Rancho application to fill out a service request, or by calling (505) 891-5016 to report the malfunctioning traffic signal. If it is after normal business hours please call (505) 896-7300. Please include the location (cross streets), what time of day the malfunction was observed, and details on what the malfunction is (please include directions of travel when this malfunction occurs). If you would like updates, such as when parts are ordered or when it will be fixed, then please leave your name and a contact number. We will put it on our log and fix it as soon as we are able.

4. How do I get street lights put in my neighborhood?

There are two ways to get street lights in your neighborhood. One way is if you are forming a Special Assessment District and would like to add street lights to the proposal. You can find information on a Special Assessment District by clicking on the link. If you have further questions please see the Miscellaneous page.

The second way is by calling (505) 896-8773 to request a study for street lights to be conducted. This method is only done if a Special Assessment District is not being considered.

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1. How do I sign up for trash service?

Trash service is mandatory in the City of Rio Rancho.You can go to Waste Management of New Mexico to setup your trash and recycling service.

2. Why has my trash not been picked up when I put it out?

Trash pickup is sometimes delayed due to a holiday.To see when your trash will be picked up or to request it to be picked up please go to Waste Management of New Mexico.

3. Where are the landfills?

There are two landfills within the City.The Sandoval County Landfill is located at 2708 Iris Rd. NE. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed Sundays and most holidays 

The Waste Management landfill is located at 1132 Carpenter St. NE. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to noon Saturday 

To learn more visit their websites: 

Sandoval County http://www.sandovalcountynm.gov/departments/public-works/solid-waste/

Waste Management https://rrnm.gov/657/Landfills

4. Do the landfills accept recycled goods?

Yes.Waste Management landfill accepts cardboard and glass for recycling at the gatehouse. They are located at 1132 Carpenter St. NE.

The Sandoval County landfill accepts recycling from county residents who reside outside of the city of Rio Rancho. Items accepted include: Cardboard, plastics, scrap metal, mixed paper, electronics (computers and TV’s also), appliances (Freon-containing appliances also), tires (4 per visit, passenger tires only), and is located at
2708 Iris Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM.

5. How can I get a recycling bin?

You will need to contact Waste Management of New Mexico to request a recycling bin.It is encouraged to request the bin at the beginning of setup of your service, because you are paying for the recycling bin in your bill.Their number is (505) 892-1200.

6. What can I recycle?

To learn more about what can be recycled in your Waste Management curbside bins click here.

For information about Waste Management's At Your Door  service, which provides Rio Rancho residents disposal options for TV's, electronics, and household hazardous waste, visit their website by clicking here.

For more information about community recycling initiatives and programs, visit Keep Rio Rancho Beautifiul's web page or contact them at 505-891-5015.

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1. What do I do if there is sewage backing up into my house?

Call the City immediately at (505) 896-8715. If the City is not open then please call a plumber immediately.

2. What do I do when raw sewage is running down the road?

Call the City immediately at (505) 896-8715.

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1. How do I find out if there is City water or City wastewater available at my property?

You must be within City Limits to get access to water/wastewater services. Please call our Utility Engineer Technician at (505) 891-5061 or our Utility Systems Engineer at (505) 891-5046 to find out if water/wastewater is available at your property.

2. Why is the City replacing water service lines?

Polyethylene lines were used extensively in Rio Rancho by builders and developers because of the high price of copper. Unfortunately, these lines do not survive well with the normal pressure changes throughout its lifetime. These lines are being replaced through our ongoing project known as Waster Service Line Replacement Project. This project has several phases in order to replace aging service lines with new copper ones.

3. Why is my street not on the list to have its water service lines replaced?

Water service lines are being replaced through our ongoing project known as the Water Service Line Replacement Project. This project has several phases in order to replace aging service lines with new copper ones. All of the polyethylene pipes in the road will be replaced, as budget allows. The streets with the worst and frequent water leaks that were reported are being taken care of first to reduce the amount of water that is lost. The other streets will be taken care of in order of severity. If you have any questions, please contact Public Works at (505) 891-5016.

4. Can I tie into a City water line if I have a domestic well?

If water line infrastructure is constructed on your road, and you already have an existing domestic well, then you can tie into the line at any time. However, if you choose not to tie in, and your domestic well has a catastrophic failure and must be re-drilled, then you are required to tie into the new water line. However, when tying into the new line you will need to fill out the proper forms. For more information please call our Utility Systems Engineer at (505) 891-5046.

5. Can I tie into a City wastewater line if I have a septic tank?

If wastewater line infrastructure is constructed on your road, and you already have an existing septic tank, then you can tie into the line at any time. However, if you choose not to tie in, and your septic tank has a catastrophic failure and must be redone, then you are required to tie into the new wastewater line. However, when tying into the new line you will need to fill out the proper forms. For more information please call our Utility Systems Engineer at (505) 891-5046.

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1. How do I apply for City water?

Please see our instructions on our Apply for a new Water/Wastewater Utility Account page.

2. How do I add someone to my water account?

Please see our instructions on our Change a Water/Wastewater Utility Account page.

3. How do I get my water turned back on?

Please see our instructions on our Turn On/Off Water at a Property page.

4. How do I sign up for an Automatic Bank Draft?

Please see our instructions on our Change a Water/Wastewater Utility Account page.

5. Is there anything I need to do when my new tenants take over the water bill?

Please see our instructions on our Finalize Water/Wastewater Utility Account page.

6. How do I close my water account?

Please see our instructions on our Finalize Water/Wastewater Utility Account page.

7. How can I reduce my high water bills?

Your high water/wastewater bills can be caused by leaks. If you are not sure if you have a leak please see our Detect and Fix Leaks page for details on how you can use your water meter to help you find common leaks in your home. You can also learn about water conservation method on our Water Conservation page. If you have exhausted the previous avenues then you may need to seek monetary assistance, please see our Water Assistance Programs page.

8. What is a Winter Quarter Average (WQA) and how is it calculated?

The Winter Quarter Average (WQA) is calculated by using your water/wastewater utility consumption used during the December, January, and February billing cycle. The WQA is used because it shows indoor domestic water consumption, which irrigation does not interfere with. The WQA is divided by the total amount of service days in the billing cycle to get a daily average usage. The daily average is then multiplied by 30.42, or 30.50 for leap years, to get your monthly average. Once this is calculated the new wastewater rate based off of your WQA is started in March every year. For more information visit our Water, Wastewater, and Recycled Water Rates page.

Example of the equation:(C ÷D)×Y =WQA

• C = Total Consumptions for the WQA billing cycle.
• D = Total number of days in the WQA billing cycle.
• Y=daily average multiplication number.
  • Use 30.42 for non-leap years.
  • Use 30.50 for leap years.
• WQA = this is the gallons per month charged as your wastewater rate for the next year.

9. Why does the City use the December, January, and February billing cycles for the Winter Quarter Average (WQA)?

The Winter Quarter Average (WQA) is used because it shows indoor domestic water consumption, which irrigation does not interfere with and it is a lower rate for figuring the average wastewater usage.

10. What if I just moved and do not have a December, January, or February billing cycle for the Winter Quarter Average (WQA)?

You will be classified as a new customer. All new residential customer’s wastewater volume charge is based on actual consumption or the class average, whichever is less until the next Winter Quarter Average period. The residential class average is currently four (4) thousand gallons.

11. When does the Winter Quarter Average (WQA) take effect on my bill?

The new Winter Quarter Average takes effect in March of every year.

12. How do I get a lower Winter Quarter Average (WQA)?

In order to get a lower Winter Quarter Average: start conserving your water in November, fix any leaking toilets or faucets, replace old toilets and washers with high-efficiency ones, and see our Water Conservation page for more information.

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1. What are some ways that I can conserve water?

You can conserve water by detecting and fixing leaks early, replace high water usage appliances with high-efficiency ones, adhere to the water restrictions that are in place, and see about investing in xeriscaping. More detailed information can be found on our Water Conservation page.

2. Where can I find information on rebates?

You can find information on our rebates by going to the Rebates page.

3. Where can I find information on xeriscaping?

You can find information on xeriscaping and its benefits by visiting our Xeriscaping Information page.

4. Will the City fill up my pool for me?

No, the City will not fill up your pool because the City has to work on conserving water in order to be granted more water rights for the citizens of Rio Rancho.

5. What if I need to drain my pool?

First, your pool will need to be dechlorinated prior to discharging. This can be done by letting your pool sit in the sun for 10 days without adding chlorine chemicals. If you require a quicker dechlorination process, you are able to buy dechlorination chemicals through pool and spa vendors.

After the pool is dechlorinated, you have two options. If your home is near a paved road, you can slowly discharge the water to the street. If your home is surrounded by dirt roads, please slowly discharge the water to the wastewater cleanout at your home. The wastewater cleanout can be located in the front or back of your property so you will need to locate this prior to discharge.  *PLEASE NOTE these discharges must be done slowly over time to prevent flooding and avoid overwhelming the storm sewers or wastewater treatment plant. 

If pools are not discharged correctly, you may be subject to a water waste fine. Please call the Environmental Programs Manager at 505-896-8737 with any questions or concerns.

6. What is a Water Variance?

A Water Variance is for those who are: repairing or maintaining an irrigation system, have newly landscaped areas, or need a single-day irrigation for the application of chemicals for landscape. This means that those with a granted Water Variance can water outside of the Watering Restrictions.

7. How can I get a Water Variance?

If you need a Water Variance you must call the Environmental Programs Section at (505) 896-8737.

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1. What do I do if there is a water leak?

The first thing to do is identify if the leak is on your property or in the street. If the leak is on your property you should call a plumber immediately. If the leak is in the road, visit our Report a Water Leak page.

2. Why has no one fixed the leak that I have reported?

Once a leak has been reported it is assigned a number. It will take 24 hours before you will see the leak noted on our Active Water Leaks Map. Leaks are fixed in order of priority. Water main leaks are fixed first because of the amount of water loss that happens when a main breaks. Then service lines are fixed and then meter leaks. Service lines and meter leaks have a 48 hour waiting period to allow other Utilities to spot their lines per State Law. Please be patient and know that we will get to the leak as soon as we are able.

3. What is the most common type of water leak?

The most common type of water leak in the City comes from the service line. These leaks occur because of the material the line is made of which is polyethylene. These polyethylene lines were used extensively in Rio Rancho by builders and developers because of the high price of copper. Unfortunately, these lines do not survive well with the normal pressure changes throughout its lifetime. These lines are being replaced through our ongoing project known as Water Service Line Replacement Project. This project has several phases in order to replace aging service lines with new copper ones.

The most common type of leak in your home is from the toilet or faucets. You can learn how to identify these leaks and how to fix them by visiting our Detect and Fix Leaks page.

4. Why are there more leaks in the summer than in the winter?

More leaks occur in the summer because there is a greater demand on the water system for irrigation. As pressure varies from usage, the line develops cracks which then makes it leak.

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1. Who takes care of the weeds and litter in my neighborhood?

Residents are responsible for weeds and litter on their own property to the right-of-way.  The Streets & Right-of-Way (ROW) Division takes care of weeds and litter in City right-of-way, when it is not in front of a home or business.  Sometimes Home Owners Associations (HOAs) are responsible for the weeds along roads.  To see which roads the Streets & ROW Division maintains versus an HOA, visit our VisionView map.

2. My neighbor’s yard is full of litter and/or lots of weeds. Who takes care of that?

Your neighbor is responsible for weeds and litter in their yard.  Even if the lot is vacant.  Please contact report the violation on our Report Rio Rancho application.

3. Who takes care of graffiti?

There are various entities that can take care of graffiti, depending on its location.  Please see the Graffiti Section page for details and who to contact.