Sacramentans are still saving water, but their conservation efforts have slipped compared with a year ago, suggesting that the relaxation of statewide drought mandates is prompting more consumption.

The Sacramento Regional Water Authority reported Wednesday that area residents reduced water consumption in September by 15 percent compared with the September 2013 baseline.

A year ago, when stiff conservation rules were in effect, the savings rate hit 27 percent. The results are in line with statewide figures, which show Californians have been using more water since the statewide mandates were lifted June 1.

Farmland values are tumbling in California’s Central Valley, reflecting a drop in key commodity prices as well as concerns over water shortages and the state’s enduring drought.

A study released Wednesday by agricultural lender Rabobank N.A. says the price of farmland in parts of the valley will decline by as much as 30 percent between now and the end of 2017, following several years of substantial gains. The drop follows declines in the prices farmers are getting for important crops such as almonds and walnuts.