SAN DIEGO -- While many San Diegans have saved more water than they were asked, experts said it may not be enough to change things in 2010, 10News reported.

Steve Bellizzi has invested a lot of money and a lot of water in his Pacific Beach yard.

"Well, originally the yard cost $40,000 to install," said Bellizzi.

Despite the investment, Bellizzi, like most San Diegans, has cut back on his watering.

Water conservation exceeded expectations this summer, as San Diegans were asked to cut back about 8 percent but ended up cutting back more. Countywide savings were 13 percent, and the city of San Diego also reached 13 percent. Helix water customers saved 12 percent, Poway customers saved 17 and Fallbrook and Sweetwater water customers each hit 10 percent.

"We raised the level of consciousness about it and I think people have responded really well," said Kurt Kidman of the San Diego Water Department.

Despite the savings, California's water situation will probably not change in 2010 -- even if more winter rain arrives.

"There's some regulatory things that even if we have a really, really wet winter, we have to overcome as well," said Kidman.

San Diego water customers will begin paying more on their water bill starting January 1, when rates increase 7.75 percent.

"You know we do the minimal watering that the city lets us do and it's still $300 a month," said Bellizzi.

Instead, he said he might exceed expectations himself by cutting out watering altogether.

"There's going to come a point when you say this is enough," said Bellizzi.

The San Diego County Water Authority said San Diego will more than likely remain in a Level 2 drought alert for 2010, which means continued water conservation for most of its customers.