PORTALES, N.M. (AP) - The city of Portales has imposed emergency water rationing because of an ongoing drought.
The emergency order that went into effect Sunday bans all outdoor watering. It also forbids car washing, hosing off pavement or sidewalks and prohibits refilling spas or swimming pools.
The city can disconnect the water supply from residents who violate the ban.
City Councilman Gary Watkins tells The Associated Press that the city's wells just can't keep up with demand. A winter freeze that killed vegetation combined with the drought to boost water use as residents tried to get lawns and trees to recover.
New Mexico is in a historic drought that has dried out forests and grasslands and put enormous pressure on water supplies. The city of Las Vegas imposed water restrictions in April.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
