A DROUGHT WATCH IS DECLARED IN ALBUQUERQUE ... AND IT MEANS AN INCREASE IN FINES FOR RESIDENTS WHO WASTE WATER. THE DECLARATION, WHICH TAKES EFFECT FRIDAY, MARCH 1ST, RAISES FINES FOR WASTING WATER FROM 20 DOLLARS TO 40 DOLLARS FOR A FIRST OFFENSE. THE FINE WOULD BE IMPOSED ON THOSE WHO LET THEIR SPRINKLER WATER RUN INTO THE GUTTER OR VIOLATE THE DAYTIME WATERING LIMITS THAT KICK IN FOR THE SUMMER. BERNALILLO COUNTY COMMISSIONER ART DE LA CRUZ THINKS THE FINES ARE TOO HIGH.

THE MUNICIPAL UTILITY'S BOARD ON WEDNESDAY ALSO APPROVED HIRING THREE MORE INSPECTORS TO ENFORCE THE DROUGHT WATCH. THE PROGRAM ALSO STEPS UP EDUCATION EFFORTS TO GET RESIDENTS TO CONSERVE.