Well well well, a sign of the times

Drought plagued Midland, Texas, is really struggling to quench the thirsty plant life. As others have been telling us for years, large grassy lawns don't have a place in the desert except in the most fluid of times.

With citizens across the town aware of the new move toward conservation, many are adjusting their water usage. This self conscious homeowner wants to deflect any criticism for watering his/her lawn.  Or maybe it's just bragging.

But it's a sign of the times.

Meanwhile, the Midland Reporter-Telegram editorialized early this month against the proposal to fine citizens for watering lawns on the wrong day. And in short order, that punishment threat was dropped. That's getting it done.

And the homeowners who have conserved water for years are finally seeing a small social benefit -- a respite from parched lawn complainers.

Comments

[Eric]

This seems to reinforce the thought that it's really hard to pass regulations that make people do the right thing. The key here seems to be that appearing to be compliant – or justifying non-compliance – is more important than conserving water, which is still scarce, regardless of its source.

And, no, it's not sour grapes because I don't have a water well of my own. Or not much. Probably.

[Geo]

Yes, Eric, it must be difficult to get people to change behavior.

This is probably a good time to be in the water well drilling business, but the more wells there are, the quicker the ground water will be depleted, too.

I thought briefly about covering my lawn with rocks until I realized the rocks would become ammo for vandals.