Irrigation water consumption is approximately 3-5% (depends on the year's temperatures and rainfall) of the Sandia/New Mexico total. Sandia/New Mexico has different types of landscaping throughout its property, but most contains native plant material and utilizes drip and/or bubbler systems. The landscaping group has worked to create a campus-like appearance and to plant native and/or water-efficient plant species.

Sandia/New Mexico is nearly complete on a state-of-the-art irrigation system called the Centralized Irrigation Control System or CICS. See the History for the status of CICS.

For more information on drought-tolerant plants and xeriscaping see Water Conservation Tips