Is drought new norm for water use?
By Denis Cuff, Bay Area News Group
With the drought fading and temperatures heating up, it’s no wonder more sprinklers are popping up. But is it too soon?
Some homeowners and environmentalists worry water restrictions are coming off too fast in a state struggling to have enough water for people, businesses, fish and wildlife.
Water industry officials, however, say Californians have proved that once they learn to conserve, they don’t forget those habits.
Officials say new technology with more efficient sprinkler controls, toilets, and clothes and dish washing machines also factor in. Landscaping changes also made a difference in holding down water use as homeowners replaced thirsty lawns with drought resistant plants, officials said.