
Drought: Save Water–Build a Backyard Pool
Despite worries about anger from their neighbors for perceived excess water use during the drought, suburban backyard pools use 13 percent less water than mowed grass.

Despite worries about anger from their neighbors for perceived excess water use during the drought, suburban backyard pools use 13 percent less water than mowed grass.

In July, Los Angeles residents reduced their water use by 21%, meeting the standard that state regulators implemented and avoiding fines and penalties imposed by the state.

The office of California Attorney General Kamala Harris wants the California Supreme Court to depublish a ruling by the 4th District Court of Appeal that could be used to challenge tiered water-rate structures used by California cities.

Desalinization has emerged as an answer to the state’s chronic water shortages. As the Orange County Register notes, desalinization would provide a near-infinite supply of water at only twice the price. The main objection of environmentalists is that desalinization uses up to 50% more electricity, meaning more fossil fuels might be burned to make water, setting back efforts to fight climate change. It is an objection that is looking less and less serious.