Coastal California residents using far less water

New data tracking per-capita residential water use for the first time shows residents in the state’s coastal areas are using far less water than those in inland communities.

The data was released by the State Water Resources Control Board on Tuesday. It shows communities that have done the best job conserving water are continuing to make cuts, pushing the state’s overall water use figures lower.

According to the new data, statewide monthly water use in September fell 10 percent compared to the same month in 2013. The San Francisco Bay Area decreased water use 15 percent despite already having the lowest per-capita consumption in the state.

The figures stem from emergency regulations approved by the water board in July that require cities and local water agencies to report residential water use. The goal is to target conservation efforts, as the state struggles with its third year of drought.

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