Drought debacle

I’ve been watching the California lawmakers and residents to see how each group will react to drought restrictions after the state’s big rainfalls and flooding situations. During a visit to the California Spring Trials in March, I saw the green vegetation across the state — a welcome sight for sure, but one that could easily cause a false sense of security regarding drought conditions.

Then in late March I cringed when saw a press release with the headline, “Governor Newsome eases drought restrictions.”

The governor ended the voluntary 15% water conservation target, “while continuing to encourage that Californians make conservation a way of life;” (emphasis added by me) and he ended the requirement that local water agencies implement level 2 of their drought contingency plans. Note, there are six levels of drought emergency in California. I rolled my eyes since I’ve personally been through a similar situation in my home state of Texas.

Texas has experienced several levels of drought for many years, with cities and counties enacting various forms of water restrictions. One particularly bad year, I was pleased to learn how the North Texas Municipal Water District had not lifted Stage 3 water restrictions despite ample rainfall totals. It was a smart change of pace from the district’s typical plan, which is to declare water restrictions after lake levels reach a critical shortage. Just as I was singing the group’s praises, the district’s board of directors chose to relax its drought contingency/water emergency response plan. That action set the stage for another entity to lift all of its water restrictions and they asked the public to practice voluntary conservation measures. Reservoir water capacity reports blinded their common sense and they chose to let the people turn on the spigots any time they wish.

Water restrictions should not have been relaxed. It’s not a matter of if we’ll experience another drought, but when. Every year our lake levels get dangerously low. It’s part of the crazy weather pattern in North Texas. Instead of continuing this ridiculous cycle of adopting and relaxing water conservation rules, keep them in place. It’s no different in California. The drought will return. And it’s up to lawmakers to help preserve that precious resource since most homeowners won’t make the right watering decisions. There are too many irresponsible or flippant people out there.

I have to give Gov. Newsome some credit. He also preserved all current emergency orders focused on groundwater supply; maintained orders focused on specific watersheds that have not benefited as much from recent rains; and retained a state of emergency for all 58 counties to allow for drought response efforts.

Water conservation is a relevant topic throughout the nation. As a member of the green industry, please make sure you’re implementing BMPs when it comes to irrigation. If homeowners and businesses in your community are water wasters, then lawmakers may instead point the finger at us. Help educate people how to conserve water, yet still irrigate plants and lawns.

There’s a beneficial compromise out there, but let’s reach it before the lakes and reservoirs run dry.