As California continues to experience a stifling drought, water use in San Diego County rose 6 percent in October compared to a year ago.

The increase came as the month saw higher-than-normal temperatures, especially over the first week when temperatures were 14 degrees above average, according to a San Diego County Water Authority news release.

Even with the surge in water use in October, August and September actually were months of lower use, compared to the same time last year.

“As a region, we must return to the kind of water savings we saw in August and September – and even improve on those numbers,” Ken Weinberg, director of water resources for the Water Authority, said in a news release. “If high temperatures persist, we will have to let our yards show some water stress to actually save water.”

Despite the increase in water use, San Diego County’s water saving efforts have saved about 1.1 billion gallons of water, enough to serve about 18,800 residents for a year, the Water Authority said.

Water agencies throughout the county have adopted mandatory water-use restrictions in case next year is the fourth consecutive dry year.

For information on water-use rules and current drought conditions, visit this site.