After the City Council on Monday evening imposed a fresh round of drought-driven restrictions on Culver City, Councilman Andy Weissman questioned whether residents “are fully aware of how serious the water crisis is.
“In large measure, people have not changed their behavior. A lot more education needs to be done to get people to understand what the daily impacts are going to be.”
One potential explanation for the perceived passivity:
In the midst of one of California’s worst droughts, even as county and regional agencies issue orders tightening water usage, there is little overt evidence of impending peril in the urban areas that dominate Southern California.
“When you drive around the community,” said Mr. Weissman, “you still see people watering their lawns with sprinklers.
“You still see people who have not taken steps to prevent overflow.
“We still have a daily urban runoff without rain, water that runs off sidewalks and curbs into the storm drains.”
Mr. Weissman is “not sure” of how to educate the passive who are ignoring what, in Los Angeles County, is not before their eyes.
“We spend a lot of time talking about giving notice and making certain the community is aware of topics that will be coming up at Council meetings,” he said. “Responses to the notifications for elections, for budget hearings and for other important events,” and here he paused, “are not readily apparent. Only a handful are likely to respond by attending Council meetings. Generally they are the same people.
“You grow frustrated,” said the second-term Councilman after 30 years in public life, “trying to figure what it takes to get people involved.”
(To be continued)
The City might think about putting “Reduce your water usage now” banners across all the major CC roads with a website address to inform people. I have a neighbor whose sprinklers go on every morning rain or shine – clearly has not received the message.
I agree, Laura. On my commute, I often pass the same house that overwaters the lawn…and the sidewalk too.We could benefit from better communication about water usage in the form of banners…and maybe a flyer or two?
Putting out a general education message is good. But do you think this “water-waster” would take the hint and comply? It would probably take an official neighborhood “Reduce your water usage now” sign directly on the waster’s lawn to have any effect.
George – People can’t comply with water reduction initiatives if they aren’t aware of them. That said, you’re right that some people may need stronger…motivation.
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