While Californians continue to conserve water, the State Water Resources Control Board reported monthly water conservation declined 17.7 percent in August for California’s urban residents.

This year’s percentage is down from the 27 percent recorded last August, and officials are concerned that some water suppliers are discontinuing their efforts to reach the water conservation objective.

“The statewide August conservation results raise questions, and we are examining the data to understand why some areas slipped more than others,” said State Water Board Chair Felicia Marcus. “Are we seeing relaxation of conservation messaging and programs, or are we seeing abandonment of programs? One may be appropriate, the other is not.”

As percentages drop, the need for conservation education only continues. Though the state-mandated water conservation targets have been alleviated, their return may be seen as necessary next year.

While these regulations may be required again next year, residents have continued to conserve vast amounts of water since they were lifted earlier this year. Over two million acre-feet of water has been saved since June 2015, which is enough water to supply to 10 million people.

However, the possibility of a sixth drought year is possible, and the California Water Board continues to ask that residents and water suppliers continue to their hypervigilance in water conservation.

“While last year’s rain and snow brought a respite for urban California, we are still in drought, and we can’t know what this winter will bring,” said Marcus. “What we do know is that climate change will continue to make our water years even more unpredictable, so we need to retain our conservation habits for the long term, rain or shine, drought or no drought.”