In California, we are experiencing the lowest levels of water in our reservoirs in recorded history. In our agricultural areas, farmers that are still in operation are producing half of what they normally can because they don't have enough water. All of them are being rationed by the government to what amounts to 10% of their total water supply and this comes from the California aquaduct, with the remaning amount having to made up for by well water, a source in California that contains high amounts of Salt and Boron. These wells are being relied upon as virtually their only source, a source that usually is only relied upon to supplement what they have and that can't produce the kind of quality crops that we as consumers are used to, and they are running out. In Fresno, for example, 3 out 5 people work in some connection to agriculture and the area is experiencing 40% unemployment. This is an area that produces 50% of our nation's nuts, fruits and vegetables. 25% of the farm land here is lying idle due to the water shortage. Farmers have stated that if we don't have a turn around this year in our water supply we are facing a catastrophe here.
Most Californians are unaware of these numbers, much less the rest of the country. It puts golf course conditions into perspective and how unimportant they really are. With "Go Green" being the buzz term lately in regards to our environment, the golf course community here in the golden state needs to "Go Brown" until this thing gets turned around. Wall to wall sod, high water usage grasses, etc. simply cannot work here in our state and courses, public and private, need to be aware that just because you can pay the penalty fee's every month for exceeding your allotment, doesn't mean that you should. This is the time to show members and customers that their golf courses can be just as playable, enjoyable and hell maybe even more fun, by being more responsible. It's crunch time, and time is running out.