Letters: Water worries? Use less

Re “DWP to tap water over toxic site,” June 24

A better idea than pumping and treating water from contaminated wells is to use less water.

Half of all residential water use in Southern California — more in some areas — is for landscape needs, including to keep our imported lawns green.

Homeowners, landlords, businesses, schools and others should grow native California plants in most places, reserving grass for recreational and sports activities that require it. Once established, colorful, water-wise, environmentally friendly native plants that Mother Nature intended to grow here use one-seventh as much water, while helping native birds, butterflies and pollinators thrive.

Santa Monica has many programs to encourage its residents to use less water outdoors. Los Angeles should copy what Santa Monica is doing.

Daniel Fink

Beverly Hills

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