Pipeline damaged, Santa Cruz facing water shortage

Santa Cruz water officials are asking residents to cut back on water use following damage to the Newell Creek Pipeline, a major pipeline supplying the city’s water system.

The city shut down the pipeline Monday, after storm damage caused a leak of approximately 1,500 gallons per minute. Repairs are expected to take several days to a week. During repairs, the city expects to produce just two-thirds of its normal drinking water supply.

City officials urged residents to cut back water use by 30 percent through next Monday , January 16, 2017.