SACRAMENTO, CA--(Marketwired - Oct 1, 2015) - Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) Executive Director Timothy Quinn issued the following statement on the latest urban water conservation levels reported by the State Water Resources Control Board today. According to the State Water Board, urban water suppliers and customers statewide reduced water use by nearly 27% in August as compared to usage in August 2013, exceeding the 25% statewide reduction required under emergency regulations that took effect June 1.

 "The latest numbers show that Californians are serious about water conservation. They are willing to let their lawns go golden and drive dusty cars to do their part. Local water agencies have done an outstanding job developing creative outreach campaigns to reach their customers. They also are seeing tremendous interest in turf rebates, water-wise house calls and incentives to install water-efficient appliances. These efforts are getting results, but they are costly. 

"There's another element to California's drought story this year. The investments local water agencies have made since the drought of the 1990s -- some estimates place those investments as high as $20 billion -- have helped California weather this drought with little disruption to the California economy. Investments in storage, recycling, conservation and new supplies have largely blunted the economic impacts of the drought -- particularly in urban areas. The investments must continue as part of a comprehensive water plan for California's future.

"While the continued strong conservation numbers speak volumes about Californians' willingness to do their part, we must continue the long-term work needed to meet California's 21st century water needs."

ACWA is a statewide association of public agencies whose 430 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwa.com. To help Californians reduce water use, ACWA manages the Save Our Water program -- the state's largest water conservation education program -- in partnership with the California Department of Water Resources. Visit www.saveourwater.com for details.