THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ HAS ANNOUNCED A WATER SHORTAGE ALERT THAT GOES INTO EFFECT TODAY. LIMITED RAINFALL AND WATER SUPPLY RULES AIMED AT IMPROVING FISH HABITATS ARE THE PRIME CAUSES OF THE SHORTAGE. NOW RESIDENTS SHOULD NO LONGER WATER THE LAWN FROM 10 A-M TILL 5 P-M AND HOSE NOZZLES ARE REQUIRED. THE IMMEDIATE GOAL IS TO CUT BACK ON WATER USE BY 5 PERCENT OVER THE SUMMER. PERSONS WHO NEGLECT THE WATER SHORTAGE ALERT CAN FACE FINES OF UP TO 500 DOLLARS.
