Dear Editor: In the interest of water conservation, I called Downey City Hall to ask about artificial turf in the front yard. I was told that under no circumstances was artificial turf allowed in the front yard – I could put it in the back yard.

I went on to suggest that in light of the drought the state of California is experiencing, perhaps it is something that should be considered. The person I spoke to basically said no way.

The same week as my conversation with City Hall, The Downey Patriot had an article entitled “Water Conservation Tips” which was provided by the city of Downey. Many recommendations were made in regard to watering your lawn: how often, how long, when (“early morning or late evening to reduce water lost to evaporation and exposure to wind”), etc.

You can imagine my surprise when I drove down Paramount Boulevard between Lubec and Suva on March 15 at 1:30 p.m. only to see that the sprinklers in the median were watering the lawn and the lane next to the median. This can’t be blamed on timers not being reset due to daylight savings, because that would have them on at 12:30 p.m.

Clearly the early morning or late evening doesn’t apply to the city, nor does watering the street.

I believe the city of Downey should set an example for the citizens. What that thought in mind, consider the new median construction taking place on Firestone Boulevard. It’s a great opportunity for the city to show a willingness to conserve water by putting in artificial turf.

The money the city would save over a period of time by not having to purchase the grass, pay for water (and a timer that works) and someone to mow the grass would help pay the cost of artificial turf.

Carol Hanson

Downey

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Published: March 27, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 50