UPDATE: Mandatory water rationing may return to Santa Cruz

UPDATE 4/7/2015: The Santa Cruz Water Commission has decided to recommend that the city goes back to mandatory water rationing. The recommendation will go before City Council next Tuesday for approval.

If the City Council approves the plan, mandatory rationing would start on May 1.

Meanwhile, the State Water Resources Board is expected to issue details about the Governor’s new mandatory rationing program on Tuesday.

PREVIOUS STORY: Friday, the Santa Cruz Water Department told News Channel 5 it will recommend returning to a Stage Three Water Shortage Emergency.

On Monday, water staff will present a proposal to the Water Commission meeting at a 7 p.m. meeting.

The commission will then vote on whether to send that recommendation or any changes to the city council for approval at the April 14 city council meeting.

If a Stage Three Water Shortage Emergency is declared for a second year in a row, mandatory rationing would kick in May 1.

The same rules would apply as last year.