Cuts in Water Use Fail to Meet Goal

California residents cut their water use in January by 17.1 percent, the fourth consecutive month the state failed to reach Gov. Jerry Brown’s goal of a 25 percent cutback.

Despite heavy rains throughout much of the state, the January numbers were the lowest recorded in eight months, the Stater Water Resources Control Board announced Thursday.

Those numbers were especially disappointing because January use is expected to be lower because of cooler weather.

Since Browns’s 25 percent mandate went into effect last June, state residents have cut their water use by 24.8 percent, down from 25.5 percent in December, the board reported.