Go ahead. Ask me what I remember about the Spring of 1977. So glad you asked. I remember the neighbors spray painting their lawns green. It was illegal to water them. Because of the drought we didn’t water lawns, wash cars or run through sprinklers that year. As a Los Angelino, I’m in the habit of conserving our precious water. It’s a good thing too because our Governor has declared a drought. Drought.
Some see it as a political move. A way in which he can quickly get money into dam projects that Democrats in the state legislature have previously opposed. Others find it as shocking as the revelation that the sky is blue. Many attribute the low rainfall and lack of snowfall to Global Warming trends. And as the Kern River runs dry, Legislators in Sacramento want us to cut back our water usage by a meager 20%. What’s truly remarkable about American politics is their ability to be so divisive despite the evidence of what needs to be done. We have cities that were built up on barren deserts. We have water traveling further than your Great Aunt Lucy is willing to and we have lush gardens to boot. Cuz, ya’ know, we like to be pretty too. 
And it’s cool with me because xeriscaping can take your breath away. The desert wild flowers are delicate works of art that inspire us to trek around in hundred degree heat, begging for a glimpse. So now that the Governator has declared a drought, can we talk a little about how to conserve water?
- Water your lawn every other day.
- Turn off the sink when you brush your teeth.
- Jump in the shower with your husband. (just wanted to see if you were paying attention).
- Think about a Grey Water system! David Nahai from the Los Angeles DWP assures me that our local Water Company is working with Building and Safety so that everyone can be on the same page with conservation efforts. I know it sounds rudimentary but in a city of 10 million, it’s quite a feat.
- Sweep your driveway. When you hose down your driveway I promise you that your neighbors hate you a little more each day.
- Check with your local power companies. Many of them offer rebates when you retire those energy sucking appliances of days gone by.
Wasn’t that easy? If we don’t stop slurping our water like swine and start sipping it like responsible citizens, we can collectively turn our pockets inside out and approve a $12 billion bond now. It’ll create dams. And jobs. But probably not for you. Allow me to reiterate that for a moment please: it’s twelve billion dollars. $12,000,000,000.00. It is a mortgage on your children, their children and their grandchildren. California is not trailblazing on this issue. Australia has been dealing with drought off and on for decades. Here in Los Angeles we’ve got aquifers we can, should and will clean up and put back into service. In the interim Mother Earth has a fever. So get up and turn off the lights in the room you aren’t in. Fix the leaky faucet. Turn off the tap when it’s not in use and understand that all the political posturing has diverted your attention from the reality that is consumption. We use too much of everything. Further Reading:
