The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority estimates that 40% of our drinking water is currently used for landscape purposes, which is as alarming as it is unsustainable. Sites Southwest was contracted by Bernalillo County to develop water conservation standards and guidelines for landscaping as one of the strategies for reducing water consumption and to achieve long-term water supply goals. The purpose of the project was to develop standards and guidelines that define the requirements of the new County Water Conservation Ordinance and to provide direction to homeowners, builders, and developers so they can meet the new requirements. The goal of The Guidelines and Standards is to improve water conservation through increased compliance with the Ordinance by showing how to maximize water efficiency and conservation through design.