SANTA CRUZ OFFICIALS HAVE APPROVED A PLAN TO INCREASE WATER RATES OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS. THE HIKES WILL INCREASE 10% IN OCTOBER AND 10% EACH JULY THROUGH 2019. THE CITY COUNCIL ALSO APPROVED A DROUGHT FEE WHICH WILL BE ADDED TO MONTHLY BILLS UNTIL JUNE 2016. THE PLAN WILL AIM TO FUND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS AND REPLACE THE REVENUE LOST DURING MANDATED RATIONING.