The weather continues to be completely wacked. It’s been hot and humid for the better part of the past 5 or 6 weeks. The region has suffered repeated thunderstorms and torrential downpours that resulted in severe flash flooding in some areas. But by some twist of fate/luck, my personal piece of geography has been bypassed by most of the rain. I suppose drought is preferable to flooding since I have a modicum of control over watering.
The town has once again implemented a water ban limiting irrigation usage to just two specific days per week. In the suburbs, of course, irrigation refers to lawn irrigation which accounts for the bulk of non-essential water use. As I ride my bike around town, I am amazed at how many people choose to ignore the ban. I suppose if you have paid a million dollars for your house on a two acre expanse of lawn you feel obligated to keep it looking lush but I find the sense of entitlement off-putting. I am tempted to form my own jack-booted bike-riding environmental hit squad to roam the town photographing these scofflaws.
My poor lawn, on the other hand, is parched. I am one of the few holdouts in my town without lawn irrigation. Of course I do have an efficient irrigation system for my garden that feeds off my four rain barrels…when they contain water. Unfortunately, the rain barrels are now empty and I too must resort to using town water for my vegetable garden.
If it matters, your DGFIL's spirit is applauding. You've stated a basic premise he made certain my borther & I learned. And practice to this day.