We made the decision to cut water by tearing out our turf last fall and installed artificial turf with drought resistant plants all on a drip system. The kids love the turf, no dirt, mud or bugs, and I just saved $1k a year in a gardener. If 50% of our water usage was used for landscaping previously, I have easily cut that amount in half if not further by tearing out the turf and installing an efficient drip system. I also bought a new motion sensing kitchen faucet which is awesome which has reduced a lot of previously wasted water.
Frankly I’m irritated that it has taken so long to have the governor issue the water restrictions, these should have been put in place at least a year ago. And unfortunately, most people I talk to really have no idea the situation that we are in and just feel entitled to having water. Raising water rates significantly will be the only way you really get the whole states attentions, but the actual water use rates on your water bill are only a portion of your water bill. There are so many fixed costs of sewer and pumping station charges that mask the water usage charge. Doubling water rates wouldn’t be dramatic, but doubling your total bill may catch somebody’s attention.
