Bob Weimer: Why is stadium turf a higher priority than food, landscaping?
With the knowledge that groundwater levels in the Merced sub-basin are rapidly declining, as indicated by the off-the-chart number of domestic and irrigation well failures, I ponder the meaning of “beneficial and reasonable use” of water. Gov. Jerry Brown has declared a state of emergency regarding the drought. He has proposed draconian measures for curtailment of water use for landscaping, made obvious by the desiccated landscape in our basin.
As I travel down Highway 140, I observe a major turf producer, supplying turf to major Bay Area sports venues, pumping groundwater daily, under conditions that, at best, are marginally efficient. Though completely legal, I wonder how this fits Brown’s curtailment program.
Perhaps there really are sacred cows. The turf at one venue has been replaced four times in the last year and is scheduled to be replaced several times this year. The billion-dollar venue is supported by the same folks who said we use too much water for almond production.
Two thoughts: We can eat almonds and consider fourth-generation artificial turf.
Bob Weimer, Atwater
This story was originally published September 2, 2015 at 11:19 AM with the headline "Bob Weimer: Why is stadium turf a higher priority than food, landscaping?."