Xeriscape

Your lawn is baked to a crisp, your hose running at a trickle and you must choose who gets a drink: The dog or the last begonia. If this seems unthinkable, it isn't to Nereus Richardson, acting manager of the Orange County Water District. With county rainfall for the year at just 47% of normal, Richardson warns, "We're into the first year of a definite drought. This year, we're asking you to conserve. Next year, we'll be telling you." His suggestion for a head start?

Your editorial "Just a Flick of the Wrist," concerning water conservation, was right on target. This has obviously been a very dry year statewide. However, with holdover reservoir and groundwater storage, our supplies will be good through this year. Next year, however, is a question mark. In years like this, water conservation programs become increasingly important, and the fact that roughly 40% to 50% of our residential water use is dedicated outdoors illustrates the need for a comprehensive program of conservation in landscape.