Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Politics

Water Board Says Water Use Down In Soggy California

Rain on the windshield of a car stuck in freeway traffic in Spring Valley, Jan 19., 2017.
Angelina Dessens-Scholey
/
KPBS
Rain on the windshield of a car stuck in freeway traffic in Spring Valley, Jan 19., 2017.

Officials say Californians are using less water than they have in years, thanks partly to winter rains that are doing the lawn-watering for them.

The Water Resources Control Board said Tuesday that the average Californian used just 58.1 gallons of water a day in January. That's the lowest residential use since the state started tracking water use in summer 2014.

California is in the middle of one of its wettest winters in decades, but remains under a drought emergency. Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to review the drought declaration sometime after the rain ends.

Advertisement

Water board chairwoman Felicia Marcus says she's encouraged Californians are continuing to conserve water despite full reservoirs. Californians have saved enough water under the drought declaration to supply one-third of residential needs for a year.

Fact-based local news is essential

KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.

Without federal funding, community support is our lifeline.
Make a gift to protect the future of KPBS.