California residents cut their water usage by 31 percent in July, surpassing government-mandated targets for the second month in a row, according to figures released Thursday by the State Water Resources Control Board.

Californians are under orders to reduce water use, on average, at least 25 percent between June and February compared with the same months in 2013 to help the state weather the ongoing drought. July was the second month in which conservation numbers count toward that broad target. In June, Californians cut water use by 27 percent.

July is a crucial month for water conservation. Last year, Californians used more water in July than any other month, mostly due to lawn watering in the summer heat.

“Californians’ response to the severity of the drought this summer is now in high gear and shows that they get that we are in the drought of our lives,” said Felicia Marcus, chair of the State Water Resources Control Board, which oversees water regulation in California.

Cities and agencies throughout the state have been ordered to cut usage by varying amounts, with heavier users subject to far larger cuts. Sacramento-area water agencies, typically among the state’s heaviest per-capita users in summer, are under orders to reduce consumption between 28 percent and 36 percent. Region wide, water consumption fell 37 percent in July compared with 2013.

California American Water Company, Sacramento, which serves Antelope and surrounding communities, and the city of Woodland posted the largest water savings in the region during July. Both reduced use by 45 percent compared to 2013. (The Sacramento Bee)

Story Date: August 31, 2015