Californians use 3 percent less water in May

Statewide urban water use in May of 2022, was 3.1% lower than in May 2020, and preliminary data from shows water savings of 7.7% for June 2022 compared to June 2020.

This increase in conservation reverses the trend seen earlier this year, when water use spiked at the conclusion of what was the driest January, February and March on record dating back over 100 years.

In May, Governor Newsom met with the state’s largest urban water suppliers to urge them to take more aggressive actions while warning that the state might be forced to enact mandatory restrictions if there is no significant progress on water conservation in the summer months.

In Southern California, and elsewhere many suppliers have implemented restrictions on outdoor irrigation. This shift, plus the impact of the State Water Board’s emergency conservation regulations that went into effect on June 10, are beginning to be reflected in the state’s water savings.

Final urban water data for June will be reported at the State Water Board’s August 2 meeting.