The Bakersfield Water Resources Department will know by as early as June 14 if the city hit its state-mandated 36 percent state conservation target.

Water resources manager Art Chianello says water use was down only 4.8 percent in April.

“We’re hoping to see a larger increase in water conservation, and that’s a result of the city ordinance that restricted outside irrigation to no more than three days per week,” he said.

Chianello says he’s not sure of any state penalties for not reaching the goal this month, but says the city may have to consider harsher watering restrictions or new regulations if it’s not met.

– Anthony Pollreisz