San Diego Water Use Up In January
By: Courtney Dwyer

SAN DIEGO - Last month San Diego saw record rainfall.  But overall water use was up 1.5 percent citywide as compared to the same time last year.

"Just because it is raining doesn't mean the drought is over," says Alex Roth, spokesman for Mayor Jerry Sanders.  "We want to continue to conserve water and we have to because at the end of this fiscal year, if we use over our allotted amount from the County Water Authority we are going to face substantial fines," says Roth.

Mayor Jerry Sanders says San Diegans have cut back on water usage by 10.5 percent, but he adds now is not the time to slack off.  "Nothing is more irritating for a lot of people and I know because people come up to me and tell me, it is raining and they're seeing people's lawn sprinklers on," says Mayor Sanders.

According to the City, commercial customers and irrigation only accounts were the reason the overall number went up.

That's frustrating news for San Carlos resident Sam Estrada who says he is working to conserve water at his home every day.  "It is upsetting, just like watching the people at the golf course.  It is easy, its just a matter of being responsible.  I don't see why it should be that hard," says Estrada.

The City says they receive hundreds of calls every month regarding those who are not complying with the law.

The City has not issued any fines as of yet, but that could be changing.  "If you don't get your act together, we're going to fine you," says Roth.