The NWS' Drought Monitor Update for July 15 shows 81% of California in the category of extreme drought or worse, up from 78%. Three months ago, it was 68%.
The map shows that drought conditions worsened in parts of Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties.
The new data comes as officials are getting tough on water wasters.
Saying that it was time to increase conservation in the midst of one of the worst droughts in decades, the State Water Resources Control Board adopted drought regulations that give local agencies the authority to fine those who waste water up to $500 a day.
Many Southern California cities, including Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Long Beach, already have mandatory restrictions in place.
Updated results of a state board survey show that statewide, urban water use in May increased 1% compared to the May average of the previous three years.
That rise was mostly driven by an 8% jump in coastal Southern California.
In most other hydrologic regions, May use declined. The biggest drop was in the Sacramento River area, where it fell 13%.
© Diana Marcum / Los Angeles TimesAn observation deck over the lake is left high and dry as the water level has dropped 50 percent in Huntington Lake this summer.
© Don Bartletti / Los Angeles TimesLooking toward the San Gabriel River from East Fork Road north of Azuza in February, the San Gabriel reservoir can be seen in the far distance where it has receded more than a mile.
© Wally Skalij / Los Angeles TimesSecret Service agents look over a dry farm field as President Barack Obama speaks to media about the drought situation in California in February.
Reader Comments
to our Newsletter