California water regulators warn state ordered cutbacks may return
State regulators say they fear some water districts in drought-stricken California have abandoned conservation efforts as saving dropped off significantly.
The State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday reported how much water Californians saved in August. California is entering a possible sixth year of drought.
The board reports that Californians saved less than 18 percent in August, down by nearly 10 percent from a year earlier.
Board Chair Felicia Marcus says some districts’ conservation measures have slipped more than seems prudent.
Last winter delivered a near-average amount of rain and snow mostly in Northern California, but it wasn’t enough to end the long dry spell.
Regulators relaxed state-mandated savings, turning over conservation to local districts.
Officials warn that it may have to return to state-mandated conservation that required savings of up to 25 percent.
Regulators say water conservation continues to slip in drought-stricken California after officials lifted mandatory cutbacks.
Max Gomberg, a senior climate scientist for the State Water Resources Control Board, said officials on Wednesday will release the figures for how well Californians cutback their water use in August.
California just entered its sixth year of a historic drought.
Last winter delivered a near-average amount of rain and snow mostly in Northern California, but it wasn’t enough to end the long dry spell.
Gomberg says he’s concerned by the latest monthly results.
He says that come January regulators in Sacramento will consider returning to state-mandated water restrictions like those last year requiring residents to use a quarter less water.
