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The Latest: Regulator warns state water cutbacks may return

FILE - In this Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2016 file photo, people walk along a path of yellowing grass at West Haven Park in Garden Grove, Calif. Regulators say water conservation continues to slip in drought-stricken California after officials lifted mandatory cutbacks. Max Gomberg, a senior climate scientist for the State Water Resources Control Board, said officials on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, will release the figures for how well Californians cutback their water use in August. (AP Photo/Amy Taxin, File)

FRESNO, Calif. - The Latest on water conservation measures during California's drought (all times local):

10 a.m.

State regulators say they fear some water districts in drought-stricken California have abandoned conservation efforts as saving dropped off significantly.

The State Water Resources Control Board on Wednesday reported how much water Californian saved in August. California is entering a possible sixth year of drought.

The board reports that Californians saved less than 18 per cent in August, down by nearly 10 per cent from a year earlier.

Board Chair Felicia Marcus says some districts' conservation measures have slipped more than seems prudent.

Last winter delivered a near-average amount of rain and snow mostly in Northern California, but it wasn't enough to end the long dry spell.

Regulators relaxed state-mandated savings, turning over conservation to local districts.

Officials warn that it may have to return to state-mandated conservation that required savings of up to 25 per cent.

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11:30 p.m.

Regulators say water conservation continues to slip in drought-stricken California after officials lifted mandatory cutbacks.

Max Gomberg, a senior climate scientist for the State Water Resources Control Board, said officials on Wednesday will release the figures for how well Californians cutback their water use in August.

California just entered its sixth year of a historic drought.

Last winter delivered a near-average amount of rain and snow mostly in Northern California, but it wasn't enough to end the long dry spell.

Gomberg says he's concerned by the latest monthly results.

He says that come January regulators in Sacramento will consider returning to state-mandated water restrictions like those last year requiring residents to use a quarter less water.

News from © The Associated Press, 2016
The Associated Press

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