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It is not that Arnold Schwarzenegger, governor of California did not already have enough problems. The state is over $60 billion in debt; he has had to go back on his promise not to raise taxes--signing a law $12.5 billion in tax hikes--and now on Friday, state officials told Californians they would have to cut back on their use of water by 20 percent.
California has been hit hard by drought and it could cause of another economic fiasco in the state. This will be the third year of drought. Thousands of acres of farmland may be required to lie fallow resulting in higher food prices and spiraling unemployment.
On Friday, February 20,2009, Donald Glaser, regional director of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and manager of the federal water system in California told farmers served by the Central Valley Project that they would not receive any water this year. In addition, 23 million California residents were warned that they will only get 15 percent of normal deliveries. Some cities in California have already imposed the 20 percent conservation order on all customers. Lester Snow at the Department of Water Resources said that he expected all urban water agencies to begin mandatory rationing within 60 days.
One of the problems, in addition to the drought causing water woes, is that California's population that has grown more than 9 million since 1992 and 500,000 acres have been converted to permanent crops like orchards and vineyards, which cannot be fallowed, and the ground water is also rapidly being depleted because of previous heavy pumping.
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As a public service, we have created an online Discussion group for Landscape Professionals and for water board officials to share best practices, ideas, etc for managing Landscape in both DROUGHT Times and in GOOD Times, too.
We have already added several prominent "EXPERTS in the field", I am so very appreciative they are willing to join in. So we are well on our way to achieving goal number 1. I would; however, like to see some contribution and active participation by the State and local water boards.
GOALS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Collect some of the best experts in the field.
2. Collect some of the best professionals with hands on experience but perhaps lacking in the theory.
3. Collect a large group of young professional with promise but lacking in experience and theory
4. Gather some Regulating authority officials for their input.
5 To exchange concepts, & best practices, eliminate or negate any myths or untruths.
6. Discuss the best ways to deal with the various regional drought situations.
7. Share success stories that users may achieve. What they did and what problems they experienced and how did they deal with the problems.
8. Possibly arrange for either some regional classes; a webinar class or some way of providing training yet undetermined
9. Influence the water agencies and perhaps the equipment manufacturers
10 . Explore ways to look ahead to the time after the drought avoiding the potential to slip back into old bad habits.
Google search managelandscapewater
Please consider Joining in the Discussion - do it today!
I am also preparing a Press Release for WorldWide distribution next Tuesday is all goes well.
Looking forward to a fruitful exchange of information and best practices.
Best regards, Mike Johnson, General Manager,
Who is doing What Where & Why
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