Water Conservation Rises but Is Still Short of Goal

Residents of Los Angeles conserved water at a slightly higher rate for the week ending Oct. 21, but the amount saved so far this month is still below the level set by the city to hold off mandatory rationing, the Department of Water and Power reported Monday.

The amount of water saved rose from 6.1% to 7.4% for the month, with 10 days left to reach the adjusted target of 10% that would avoid possible City Council action on a rationing program.

The plan would limit all city residents and businesses to 90% of the water used during comparable periods of 1986--before the drought. Surcharges and fines would be imposed on those exceeding their allotments.