CALIFORNIA WATER SUPPLIERS HAVE REPORTED THE LARGEST MONTHLY DECLINE IN WATER USE THIS YEAR. OFFICIALS SAY WATER CONSUMPTION DROPPED 11.5% IN AUGUST. SANTA CRUZ COUNTY CONSERVED MORE THAN THE STATE AVERAGE AT 28%. THE FIGURES REFLECT WATER USAGE AT RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES BUT NOT PER-CAPITA USAGE. AGENCIES ARE AIMING TO REPORT PER-CAPITA CONSUMPTION THIS MONTH.
