California cities show biggest water savings yet in drought

The data released Wednesday by the State Water Resources Control Board comes as communities are ordered to save water in case the four year dry spell persists.|
<BR/> BY FENIT NIRAPPIL
ASSOCIATED PRESS

SACRAMENTO — California water regulators say cities showed their best drought conservation yet by cutting water use 29 percent in May compared to two years ago.

The data released Wednesday by the State Water Resources Control Board comes as communities are ordered to save water in case the four year dry spell persists.

Board Chairwoman Felicia Marcus say the data show more Californians are doing their part during the drought. The board also says rain in parts of the state likely drove the May water savings.

Water savings are compared to 2013, the year before Brown declared a drought emergency.

Gov. Jerry Brown in April ordered a 25 percent reduction in urban water use.

Conservation has been lagging despite the historic dry period. The last report showed 13.5 percent conservation in April.

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