Just Deserts?

There's lots to love about Phoenix: funky architecture; geography, flora, and fauna vastly different from the Midwest; a vibrant vibe; marvelous restaurants; great hiking; and tons more. One thing that concerns me, though, are the lawns and the golf courses. Lush, artificial environments requiring lots of maintenance and resources (read: water) should not be plunked in the middle of the desert.

Water has always been a major issue in Phoenix, but massive population growth (one figure said the city has grown 77% since 1980) and a persistent drought over the past two decades has made it even more pertinent. Phoenix receives its water from four sources: the Colorado River (34.5%), surface water (from lakes, streams, and rivers other than the Colorado)(17.2%), groundwater (35.8%), and effluent water (water mixed with waste that can be reused (12.3%). The drought particularly affects the surface water levels. To sustain surface water, the area relies on precipitation. Melted snow from the northern part of the state and rain feed surface water suppliers such as the Salt River and the Verde River.

And where is the water being used? According to the Phoenix Department of Water, the majority of usage is not for drinking. Instead, 2/3 of water is used for residential purposes, including landscape irrigation, and more than 60% of Phoenix' overall demand is for outdoor water uses, mainly landscape irrigation.

Doesn't xeriscaping make more sense? Xeriscaping is a portmanteau of xeros (Greek for dry) and landscaping. It's defined as utilizing plants that require less water, especially in arid ecosystems. Here, that means rocks and sand as filler instead of grass and plants like yucca, cacti, agave, and a host of others.

Why do people insist on having grassy golf courses and green lawns? My guess is status. As in temperate climes, a manicured lawn is a marker of status among certain groups. And using an inordinate amount of resources is also a way that many groups express social dominance.