State officials say drought-stricken California used 20 percent less water in November, once again missing the 25 percent conservation mandate set by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Still, the State Water Resources Control Board reported Tuesday at a meeting in Sacramento that California remains on course to beat its long-term goal through February.
Residents have saved a combined 26 percent since the mandate was issued in June.
Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus says the cumulative numbers show considerable savings, indicating that residents understand the drought isn't over.
Brown ordered the statewide cutback during the state's fourth year of drought. California posted savings of 22 percent in October compared to the same period for 2013.
The latest figures come as a series of much-anticipated El Nino storms begin to drench the state and boost the snowpack.
