San Diegans, and California residents in general, stepped up water conservation efforts in May, state water officials reported Wednesday.
Nearly all of the two dozen local water agencies in San Diego County posted large reductions in use compared to the same month in 2013, which the state uses as a benchmark.
The largest of the local water agencies, the city of San Diego, saw usage decline by 22.6 percent in May even though there wasn't much rain after the first week of the month. Cumulatively since June 2015, water use in the city is down 18.4 percent.
Statewide, consumption fell 28 percent in May compared to three years ago.
"The phenomenal ongoing water conservation by state residents as we enter the hottest summer months clearly shows Californians understand we remain in stubborn drought conditions statewide and that saving water is just the smart thing to do," said State Water Board Chairwoman Felicia Marcus.
"Rain or shine, drought or no drought, state-mandated target or not, Californians should keep conserving," Marcus said. "While conditions improved for urban California's water supply with the rain and snow we got last year, we are still largely in drought and saving water can extend urban water supplies off into the future if this next winter is dry again."
San Diego area agencies showing large drops in consumption in May included the Valley Center Municipal Water District, 42.8 percent; city of Poway, 39.1 percent; Ramona Municipal Water District, 37.1 percent; Rincon Del Diablo Municipal Water District, 35.9 percent; Santa Fe Irrigation District, 34.4 percent; Padre Dam Municipal Water District, 32.4 percent; and the Lakeside Water District, 32.1 percent.
