California Water Use Drops 7.5 Percent In July During Third Year Of Drought

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California water agencies are reporting a 7.5 percent drop in monthly water use as the state deals with the third year of a crippling drought.

The State Water Resources Control Board reported Tuesday that water use fell in July compared with a year ago. Gov. Jerry Brown declared a drought emergency in January and called on Californians to cut water use by 20 percent.

But a survey from the water board earlier this year showed monthly water use actually increased, despite the governor's plea for conservation.

The board approved statewide water restrictions in July that include fines up to $500-a-day for water wasters, and it could consider more aggressive conservation measures later this month.

Figures reported by water agencies include residential and business users and don't show per-capita water use.