FRESNO, Calif. (AP) – Officials say Californians missed the state’s monthly 25 percent water conservation target for the first time since enforcement of the cutbacks began in June.

The State Water Resource Control Board reported Tuesday that cities throughout the state saved 22 percent in October.

The mandate to conserve came as California experiences its driest four-year span on record.

Felicia Marcus, chairwoman of the state water board, said she had anticipated the dip in water savings because October temperatures were exceptionally warm, driving up the watering of yards.

Marcus says California is meeting its long-term water conservation target. For the five months combined residents have saved 27 percent.