The escalating cost of living in California, Nevada, and other drought-affected states has been exacerbated by environmental challenges, particularly the severe drought over the past few years. This has significantly impacted not only water costs but also other living expenses:
- Increased Water Fees: In 2014, California Governor Brown mandated water conservation for suppliers. Combined with consumer efforts, this led to reduced profits for suppliers, who subsequently raised fees to compensate.
- Higher Food Costs: According to the USDA, higher water costs directly influence food prices as farmers and ranchers struggle to maintain their operations. Fruit and vegetable farmers need potable water for crops, while ranchers require clean water for livestock and grazing fields.
Increased Business Costs: Businesses face higher expenses due to increased water and food costs, and they often have to pay higher wages to help employees cope with the rising cost of living.
Landscaping Considerations
Natural grass, a common feature in California landscaping, demands excessive water and is costly to maintain. It exacerbates conservation problems due to its tendency to evaporate and runoff water unless irrigated with precision. Local governments have begun fining residents for over-irrigation and runoff issues.
Landscaping Changes
Several programs now offer financial incentives for residents and business owners who replace their water-intensive landscapes with drought-tolerant alternatives. Many Californians are switching to artificial grass, an easy-to-install option that provides numerous environmental benefits:
- Minimal Water Requirements: Artificial grass only needs occasional rinsing after incidents that cause dirt accumulation.
- Efficient Drainage: Most artificial grass varieties have perforated holes, allowing precipitation and rinse water to flow through to the ground, benefiting the soil and its ecosystems.
- Moisture Retention: The backing of artificial grass helps retain moisture in the soil, reducing rapid evaporation when exposed to sunlight.
By adopting artificial grass and other drought-tolerant landscaping options, Californians can significantly reduce water usage and contribute to environmental conservation efforts, while also mitigating the rising costs associated with the ongoing drought.