Trouble with water in Tucson

[ruready1st]

Originally Posted by Jukesgrrl

...I appreciate the fact that Pima County has a better water usage plan than almost anyplace in the Southwest, but as long as others don't, it's only a matter of time until the crisis hits. Many people in Las Vegas and Phoenix are still planting grass like there's no tomorrow.

I moved from Tucson to Vegas and I am astounded by the lack of planning here for water longevity. Lake Mead is drying up and no seems concerned. Sure there are regulations for landscape watering, but no one uses reclaimed water, not the golf courses or the resorts for landscaping. There are palm trees and grass here everywhere. Most of the place reminds me of Scottsdale.

I feel more comfortable owning a home for the long run in Tucson, than in Vegas in regards to sustainability.

[angerdux]

Thank you. The two links provided are very useful. Our mortgage on our house in New Orleans will finish in September and then we'll be free to touch up this property and sell.

I am originally from the Northeast, living in New Orleans for 20 years. I think that no other place demonstrates imprudent planning around environmental issues as well as New Orleans does.

When we first moved here, the state was already losing its estuary at a fast clip, due to salt water intrusion, but everyone was predicting that the crisis wouldn't hit until the 22 century.

Well, they were as dead wrong as can be. Global warming along with the intractability of the Army Corps. of Engineers has accelerated those predictions and New Orleans now lies utterly exposed to the whims of hurricanes and, sadly, industrial disasters. And New Orleans is a wonderful city which I love passionately, but I find that I am less resilient to the stress of living here the older I get.

When we first visited Tucson in 1998, we were entranced by its beauty and culture. Part of loving the desert is keeping it desert and I think that keeping grass in a water starved environment is madness. Sometimes doomsday predictions come true--trust me. I am very glad that Tucson has a sensible water plan. And I hope that all of its residents realize that water conservation is an act of love, not privation.

Thank you all very much.

[carrob]

I am curious why reclaimed water is not used more in the desert...Is it an expensive process?

Can anyone direct me to pictures of desert landscaping in yards that actually looks somewhat shady, cool and inviting? I do love the desert and wonder how much xeriscaping mimic a lush environment? Or at least a cozy one:

Do many in Tucson do this?

[FedupwithNJ]

try this site.

Xeriscape Landscape Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment Pictures, Photos, And Information