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Letter: There are many ways to cut back on water use

(Francisco Kjolseth | Tribune file photo)  Bea Layton checks out how some of the plants have grown outside the home she lived in for 22 years after doing extensive xeriscaping that has been maintained by the current owner.

(Francisco Kjolseth | Tribune file photo) Bea Layton checks out how some of the plants have grown outside the home she lived in for 22 years after doing extensive xeriscaping that has been maintained by the current owner.

Recently, Claire Andrues wrote a letter concerning our wasteful water use and House Bill 143 sponsored by Rep. Suzanne Harrison, D-Draper. This bill would require each city to study how we can reduce our water use.

Oh, please. Can we stop talking about our water problem and actually do something?

This is not a difficult problem to solve. There are so many ways we can cut down on our water use.

May I suggest one idea that is staring everyone in the face? For every individual who owns a home, just look out your front door. For every business owner, look around your property. For all the new developments being built, what are you putting in around each house and business?

We live in a desert and we keep putting in these lawns that take an incredible amount of water in the spring, summer and the fall.

What is the problem with xeriscaping? This landscaping method developed especially for arid and semiarid climates can add real beauty to your property and save untold gallons of water.

How about introducing a House bill where home and business owners can get a tax break or a tax credit for ripping out their lawns and putting in xeriscaping? Now that is something tangible we can do with the surplus our elected representatives say we have.

Scott Schannon, Cottonwood Heights

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