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California backslides on water conservation amid drought

The year ending in September was the second-driest in California's recorded history.
Credit: AP
FILE — In this Aug. 22, 2021, file photo a kayaker fishes in Lake Oroville as water levels remain low due to continuing drought conditions in Oroville, Calif. California's reservoirs are so low from a historic drought that regulators warned Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, it's possible the state's water agencies could get nothing from them next year, a frightening possibility that could force mandatory restrictions for residents. (AP Photo/Ethan Swope, File)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A severe drought prompted California Gov. Gavin Newsom to ask people to voluntarily cut water use by 15%.

Data released Tuesday shows most aren't doing that. Californians reduced their water by 3.9% in September. That's down from 5.1% in August. Overall, California has reduced its water consumption by just 3.6% since July, when Newsom made the request. Water agencies say many people permanently reduced their water use during the last drought. They say further savings will take more time and money to achieve. 

The year ending in September was the second-driest in California's recorded history.

Read the full AP story here.

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