Urban potable water use in San Diego County fell by approximately 32 percent in July 2015 compared to July 2013, according to preliminary numbers released today by the Water Authority. That follows a decrease of 26 percent in June compared to June 2013 and a 30 percent decline in May.

July was the second month in which the State Water Resources Control Board required compliance with conservation targets set for each local water agency. State-mandated targets for Water Authority member agencies are between 12 and 36 percent below 2013 levels; the countywide average target is 20 percent.

Record rainfall from a tropical storm in July gave a boost to water-saving efforts already under way across the region as residents and businesses complied with state mandates not to irrigate during rainstorms or for 48 hours after receiving measurable rain. The net result was the lowest July water use for the region since at least 1975.

Conserved water in San Diego County can remain in storage for future use, a valuable asset should drought conditions continue into 2016 or beyond.

For information about water-use rules by community, along with details about drought conditions and conservation-related resources, go to www.whenindrought.org.