Mad Max and the California Drought Crisis

In a stark, dry landscape where humanity is broken down and desperate; where citizens are thirsting for a single drop of water in this wasteland; society must band together to survive the drought-apocalypse.

No, this isn’t my studio pitch for the fifth Mad Max flick (Mad Max: Californian Drought). My slightly exaggerated opening details how much trouble the beautiful state of California might be in. While there aren’t any perfect solutions just yet, many Californians are doing their best to conserve water. During this record drought, citizens of the Golden State are taking steps to conserve aqua, by not watering their lawn as much as they used to, and not washing their cars. However, some people are refusing to comply with the state government’s mandated cutbacks, no matter how reasonable they seem. Looks like it’s time to pick on the rich again.

Some of California’s wealthiest occupants are calling these drought restrictions a “war on suburbia.” I guess I’m not the only one who can exaggerate with the best of them. I understand homeowners need to keep their lawns looking their best, but not at the cost of getting into deeper water trouble. Still, many rich Californians don’t see it this way. One well-to-do interior designer was quoted as saying…“What are we supposed to do, just have dirt around our house on four acres?” I guess there is no getting through to some people.

Now that we know some people won’t follow the state’s orders no matter how dry and desolate things may become, the real question becomes: should they fine a homeowner for watering his or her’s lawn? Some homeowner association boards are being so strict during this crisis, that they won’t even let residents plant drought-resistant vegetation. Now, once you’re no longer allowed to water your grass, and you are forced to remove all flowers, and your front lawn is now browner than the Cleveland Browns…then what? Homeowners are worried that this drought is killing their property value, and they have valid reasons to believe so. All of California is in the same boat (no water puns!). By fining residents for doing what they have been used to doing for decades seem wrong. As long as people aren’t purposefully being water wastrels, I don’t see how fines will eradicate this problem.

At least California still has gasoline. Otherwise, you might be seeing this guy pretty soon!