THE PRICE OF TURNING ON THE TAP OR WATERING THE LAWN IS GOING UP IN SANTA FE. AS OF JANUARY FIRST, THERE'LL BE A MORE THAN 8-PERCENT INCREASE IN WATER RATES. IN 2008, THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED TO IMPOSE FIVE STRAIGHT YEARS OF RATE HIKES TO PAY FOR THINGS LIKE WATER RIGHTS ACQUISITION AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS. THIS IS EXPECTED TO BE THE FINAL INCREASE UNTIL AT LEAST 2018.