Santa Cruz officials seeking out water wasters as drought continues

At the crack of dawn, water conservation representative Nik Martinelli is up and roaming the streets of Santa Cruz looking for trouble..

“I’m looking for various things that could be leaks or possible neglected irrigation systems, things like that,” said Martinelli.

In other words — Martinelli’s job is to ensure local businesses and residents are following the water restrictions the city has imposed. If not, fines could be levied, though everyone gets a notice the first time around.

The City of Santa Cruz Water Department said it’s sent out several hundred notices — after that the fines start at one hundred dollars and can get as high as $500.

People seem to be conserving in Santa Cruz so far. A look at the Pasatiempo Golf Course gives you an idea of the impact

“A lot of people are letting their lawns go brown,” said Pravin Patel, a 20-year resident of the city. “I take water usage very seriously now – I think we took it for granted for so long.”

The restrictions mean that Patel has had to forgo some luxuries, such as his pond.

Although the water department has received complaints from residents keeping their neighbors honest, Patel said that’s not his job to tattle.

“I’d rather talk to them directly and you know, try to convince them it is a serious matter,” he said.

Gov. Jerry Brown, meanwhile, has urged Californians to reduce their water use by 20 percent, but so far as a state, state officials say we’ve only reached a 5 percent reduction.