A recent article on MSN covered the alarming fact that the Earth’s freshwater reserves are disappearing.
“The myth of limitless water and the free-for-all mentality that has pervaded groundwater use must now come to an end. Society needs to turn to the agricultural sector for solutions. Agriculture accounts for nearly 80 percent of water use globally, and at least half of the irrigation water used is groundwater,” says NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory hydrologist James Famiglietti.
“Groundwater is layered in clay and sandstone. Removing the water,” says Doug Carlson, information officer at the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), “not only depletes the resource but often creates dangerous conditions of the earth sinking in on itself, which has already happened in parts of the state. Once that subsidence (collapse) happens, it’s lost forever and rainfall won’t replace it.”
This water shortage and the severe droughts that have been plaguing California for the last 13 years should be clear signs to people everywhere that we need to find solutions for conserving water on the planet.
One of the easiest and most effective ways for homeowners in drought regions to do their part in conservation is by switching from natural to artificial grass at their homes and businesses. Lawn maintenance is a massive water drain, requiring thousands of gallons of water to survive annually. In California, more than 50 percent of residential water use occurs outdoors. This is why some Southern California residents are taking advantage of the opportunity to beautify their lawns and save money at the same time.
There are turf removal rebate programs that offer homeowner cash for replacing their natural lawns. Currently, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is offering residents turf removal rebates starting at $2.00 per square foot. And with artificial grass options starting at $1.58 per square foot, some SoCal residents are actually making money by switching out to a more drought-friendly lawn option.
All homeowners need to take the time to consider their impact on this global issue. If you’re a homeowner considering a switch to a more drought-friendly lawn and you want to learn more about the process, be sure to check out our DIY Easy Install Guide. It runs through what to expect step-by-step so that you can make sure it’s the best solution for your family.
