Hey California, it’s me, your lawn. Didn’t recognize me at first, did you? Now don’t hate me because I’ve turned a sickly shade of olive and my blades are brittle since the California drought. If you think I have it bad, take a look around. Oak Tree’s leaves have curled, Shrubby’s croaked and Birds of Paradise never had a chance. It’s just a matter of time before we’re all gone by summer’s end. California, when are you going to take some responsibility? My blood…err…chlorophyll is on your hands.

Cut 25% During California Drought

For the beautiful state of California, my homeowners sacrificed their lawn, fruit trees, vegetable garden, and vineyards when you asked parts of the state to cut water usage by 25%. They more than complied. I may be dead by the time you read this message, but what is your plan for the future?

California Drought could last 10-20 years

You disappoint me, California. According to experts this drought could last up to 10-20 years. Long-term change is needed. “We continue to run California as if the longest drought we are ever going to encounter is about seven years,” said Scott Stine, a professor of geography and environmental studies at Cal State East Bay. “We’re living in a dream world.” http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_24993601/california-drought-past-dry-periods-have-lasted-more

California, you adopted one of the first recycling programs across the nation. Your strategy to eliminate water bottles was beyond compare. You’ve built solar panels, for God’s sake. But what about drought preparation? If we run out of plants, there may not be a planet to save.

1987-1992 California Drought

Other lawns remember the last severe drought in 1987 to 1992. What has changed since then? You can’t keep rototilling our problems under the green carpet. Now I’m not the Governor or the Mayor, just your average lawn, but I have a few ideas to survive the drought.

Recycled wastewater

In Florida, sprinkler systems have used reclaimed water for years. What are you waiting for? El Dorado Hills, California is a perfect example of a town using recycled water to ease the drought. Their example should be adopted statewide. Right now, we are basically pouring drinking water on our lawns.

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/04/14/6321372/california-looking-to-recycled.html

Desalination plants

California, we need to think bigger than water conservation for homeowners only. Did you know that 96% of the earth’s water is in the ocean? An innovative company called WaterFX, a solar thermal desalination plant, located in Fresno, California should be used as a role model throughout the state. “It has been turning salty, contaminated irrigation runoff into ultra-pure liquid for nearly a year for the Panoche Water and Drainage District. It’s the only solar-driven desalination plant of its kind in the country.” http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/California-drought-Solar-desalination-plant-5326024.php

Statewide Conservation

Water conservation should start with all people. Why are only certain sections of California being asked to conserve water? It’s simple to reduce by 10% and slowly increase the amount yearly. Why didn’t you try harder last year to get us to conserve water?

According to saveourh2o.com, “Saving water is not hard.  We simply need to be smart about using what we have. Rethinking the way we use water – both indoors and outdoors – will help stretch our limited supplies and ensure water is there when we need it. If we all work together, we can make a difference for California’s future.” http://www.saveourh2o.org/content/Drought2014WhatYouNeedtoKnow

Well, what are you waiting for California? The good people of the state are doing their part to save water as you asked. At a young age, we teach our children to take responsibility for their actions. What’s your excuse?

What’s the plan, California? I’m just a lawn.

Dying of thirst,

Zoysia