The Stage 1 Water Shortage Warning is no longer in effect. Drought resources will remain available through the winter transition period. Water supply conditions will be monitored over the winter, and another shortage may be declared if necessary.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Stage 1 Water Shortage Warning Effective May 1 - October 31 

On April 13, the City Council declared a Stage 1 Water Shortage Warning for City of Santa Cruz water customers, beginning May 1, and ending October 31.

100% of Santa Cruz’s drinking water is supplied by local rainfall: 95% from flowing sources like rivers and creeks; 5% from groundwater. The City has one reservoir, Loch Lomond, which holds only about one year’s worth of water supply when full. So simply put, when it doesn’t rain – like this year – our supply is at risk. It’s critical that we use every drop of water efficiently. The Stage 1 Warning is designed to help the community use their water efficiently.

During a Stage 1 Water Shortage Warning, each customer class (residential, commercial, irrigation,) is provided with a monthly allotment of water. You can think of it as your “water budget.” We’re not going to tell customers how to use your allotment in terms of what you can and can’t use it for – that’s up to you. But allotments have been designed primarily with indoor needs in mind.

Penalties are not applied during a Stage 1 Warning. They are applied during a Stage 2 Water Shortage Alarm. Should dry conditions continue in Santa Cruz, we may move to a Stage 2 Alarm next year. Learning to live within your water allotment now will ensure you’re well prepared if we have to move to a Stage 2 Alarm next year. 

Click on the buttons below for more information based on customer class

Click here to read the full Water Shortage Contingency Plan