BRIEF: Phila. declares water crisis

The Water Department had to cut service to at least 2,000 city residents yesterday in order to shut down 50 of the leaking mains. The water crisis, like the electricity power loss last week, was blamed on the icy weather conditions. Physical Plant spokesperson Dennis Collinis said that the water crisis could "create a fire hazard" in University classrooms and residences. But, he said, the crisis "has not yet affected the University." Executive Vice President Janet Hale said last night that she was "unaware" of the water crisis, and did not know whether it would affect the University. --Jorie Green