The Village of Cuba recently implemented restrictions on outdoor watering due to a prolonged lack of rainfall, soaring temperatures and extreme drought conditions.
Ironically, soon after the restrictions were implemented, monsoon rains began flooding the state.
“We’ll probably keep it in place and just play it by ear through July and see what happens,” Mayor Denny Herrera said.
The restrictions aim to reduce village water consumption by 10% to 20% and mandate residents refrain from watering between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The village asks that residents with addresses ending in odd numbers water only on odd-numbered days, while those with addresses ending in even numbers water on even-numbered days. Ornamental water usage and washing sidewalks and driveways is prohibited.
According to Herrera, Cuba police officers and water department officials will monitor the village for violators who have meters on the village’s water system. This includes some residents located outside the village limits in the county.
Herrera said individuals caught ignoring the restrictions will receive a verbal warning, as Cuba does not have an ordinance in place to fine residents for noncompliance.
“I think it is more of a good neighbor policy and I think it’ll work out well like that,” Herrera said.
The water restrictions were implemented as a precautionary measure to prevent another serious water emergency, similar to the one declared in May. As previously reported in the Signpost, the county approved an emergency/disaster declaration to address a water supply crisis in the village related to the 40-year-old water line issues around Highway 126, Nacimiento Road and Southern All Around Road.
According to Herrera, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently working with the village to design and upgrade the water tank. The village is also working with the New Mexico Rural Water Association and other state agencies for funding to take care of the aging pipes.