Californians facing fines for wastefulness significantly cut their water usage this summer, as community wells run dry, farm fields turn to dust and key reservoirs shrink to a fraction of their capacity.
Water suppliers reported that consumption fell 11.5 percent in August compared with the year before, according to data released Tuesday. That was the first full month of mandatory outdoor watering restrictions and up to $500 fines imposed by the State Water Resources Control Board in July.
“The trend here is very good,” said Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the board. “It appears the audience is listening, and folks have shifted into gear since we took action.”
The data is self-reported by water agencies that produce 3,000 or more acre-feet or serve more than 3,000 customers. Together, the reporting agencies serve 33.5 million Californians, or roughly 87 percent of the state’s population.