Brown battles drought, orders 25 percent cut in water use

The lawn that borders the science building is brown and dying. A sign saying “Just Save Water” stands on the dry, patchy grass, reminding students of the need to conserve water.

Due to the drought that California is currently facing, SHS conserved over 1 million gallons water last year, and stands to save more this year through new projects.

California as a whole has also taken steps to save. Gov. Jerry Brown approved a $1.1 billion plan for drought relief and flood control last March. Brown also ordered towns and cities to cut urban water use by 25 percent on April 1, the first mandatory statewide water restriction in California history.

"We're in a new era," Brown said, standing on a yellowed patch of grass that resembled Saratoga High’s lawns. "The idea of your nice little green grass getting lots of water every day: that's going to be a thing of the past."

Senior Sumedha Gupta, one of the head commissioners of the SHS Green Commission, said she agreed with Brown’s plans. However, she thinks that Brown should focus on restricting the water use of farming areas, not just residential areas.

To address all water shortage problems, people will be more heavily penalized for using water. The 25 percent water use reduction mandate discourages Californians from watering their lawns and taking long showers.

“The severity of California’s drought has caused the state’s leadership to make some very hard decisions,” said assistant principal Kevin Mount. “If everyone does his or her part, water savings will really add up fast.”

Among the other measures that have led to water savings, the school has stopped watering lawns and has put up signs to remind people to conserve water.

The $44 million that Saratoga High received from the Measure E bond, approved in June 2014, will also provide money for campus upgrades. The softball and soccer fields will be turfed, saving water. In addition, Saratoga’s maintenance department has worked around the school to fix leaks and cut water waste.

Saratoga’s students are also taking action. The Green Commission wants to replace Saratoga High’s gardens with drought-resistant plants that are native to California, such as cacti, that do not require much water. California gives rebates to those who replace their gardens with drought-tolerant plants.

“California is in a severe drought,” said Green Commissioner junior Michelle Shen.  “If you constantly deny that there is a water shortage, it’s like driving a car with no gas and saying that it still OK to drive.”