Water conservation and restrictions on how we use our precious and finite resource are quite likely here to stay. No one can predict our water availability, given climate change and the radical weather patterns we have all witnessed over the recent past.
Let’s be proactive. Kill your lawn!
It’s quite ridiculous to waste water on lawns! It’s plain and simple. Plant food, not grass. Let your lawn go brown.
The City of Nelson, instead of waiting until we’re running low on water, could implement a 100 per cent moratorium on all watering of lawns. Vegetable gardens would, and should, be exempt. Flower gardens can be on a restricted schedule.
Last year in Nelson, while we were under Stage 3, and then Stage 4 water restrictions, my vegetable garden was seriously suffering, because I adhered to the water restrictions. At the same time, there were many people watering lawns, sidewalks and driveways. That was extremely frustrating to see.
This is serious. Water is our lifeblood. Just look to areas in the southern US where the wells are dry and the water pipes and taps are empty. We think it can’t happen here, however something could happen if there were forest fires and long hot summers.
We really are “all in this together.” Somehow we need to educate ourselves on water conservation methods, and also find constructive and respectful ways to speak with our neighbours and our community members about preserving our most precious resource.
Howie Ross, Nelson