Causecast

by SARAH NELSON, Contributing Writer

If you live in California, you know about water shortage. Half of the state’s water is transported from the north to the south in something that resembles giant water slides. Experts are estimating that by 2013, 36 states will be facing widespread water shortages, including the two agricultural giants, Texas and California, that are already struggling with water shortages. Already, Texas has suffered major loss in crops and livestock, topping $3.5 billion. California, which produces a large percentage of our nation’s fruits and nuts, is in its third consecutive year of an increasingly severe drought.

So what’s contributing to all of this water shortage doomsday talk? Well – how green is YOUR lawn?

Studies on water usage are now shifting their attention from necessary indoor water usage to the water we use outdoors. In San Diego County, estimates show that nearly 60 percent of residential water usage is going to the upkeep of lush green grass. In an effort to cut back on water usage, San Diego officials launched the 20 gallon challenge, with a goal of saving 20 gallons of water per person per day which would ultimately create a 10 percent reduction on water usage. Without a local water source large enough to fulfill the demand of its residents, San Diego is forced to import more than 80 percent of its water from distant sources. Still, San Diego’s 20 gallon challenge only reduced water usage by 5 percent. That’s two toilet flushes per household.

Spending on lawn maintenance has reached more than $50 billion every year. For fertilizer and pesticides. Seriously. The reality is the turf we plant in front of our homes isn’t even meant to grow here. It’s not indigenous to anywhere in the continental U.S. It’s like asking a polar bear to relocate to Hawaii. Polar bears are not meant to live in the tropics, and grass is not meant to live in Las Vegas. Or Phoenix. Or Sacramento. Or Dallas. But we like the way it looks, so we do our best to keep it happy. With lots and lots of water. Instead of forcing grass to grow where it doesn’t belong, opt for plants that are native to your area – they will thrive on their own, with far less water.

While the need for water conservation continues to evade breaking news reports, the situation is approaching crisis levels. Efforts to get water usage under control are turning to less conventional awareness like the Denver Water’s “Grass Is Dumb” campaign that encourages Denver residents to use only what they need. For the record, preserving an aesthetically pleasing lawn is not a “need.” If you are really attached to your green green grass, but are torn between your desire for perfect lawn maintenance and your commitment to water conservation, consider using Nike turf. It’s green. It looks like grass, and you don’t have to water it. Ever.

Here’s Denver’s Grass is Dumb Campaign, capturing the heart of Coloradans with its humor:

For more tips on cutting back on water usage check out Water Use It Wisely’s 100 Ways to Conserve.

Here’s their top ten:

• When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.

• Some refrigerators, air conditioners and ice-makers are cooled with wasted flows of water. Consider upgrading with air-cooled appliances for significant water savings.

• Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.

• Run your clothes washer and dishwasher only when they are full. You can save up to 1,000 gallons a month.

• Choose shrubs and groundcovers instead of turf for hard-to-water areas such as steep slopes and isolated strips.

• Install covers on pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.

• Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.

• Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.

• For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.

• Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation

Think before use water and make a conscious effort to cut back on your usage. Remember, there are over one billion people around the world without access to clean drinking water. Visit Causecast featured organization charity:water to see how you can get involved with providing water to those in need around the globe.

Photo by warrenski, flickr.