LA Politicians Use Lots of Water, Even as They Call for Cutbacks

In the face of an epic drought, not to mention enormous wildfires in the region, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has called for residents this summer to "change course" and slash their water use by 10%. But the Los Angeles Times reports that the mayor and other top city officials have long been heavy water users themselves. Even if Villaraigosa's had followed his own advice and cut back water use by 10% at the two homes where he has lived since winning election in 2005, he would still be using nearly twice as much water as comparable properties in the area. City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo and Councilman Tony Cardenas have used even more water. Records show nine of the city's 18 elected leaders have been using more than average amounts of agua. To add insult to injury, Delgadillo used 2.7 times as much water as is typical — 890,120 gallons compared to a median of 328,524 — and also had his service briefly shut off after failing to pay his utility bill! Villaraigosa has said water conservation is crucial because high temperatures, record low rainfall and a diminishing snowpack in the Sierra Nevada have combined to produce a shortage in the region. Plus, southern California continues to experience dramatic population growth, largely fueled by immigration. It should be noted that a few of the city's elected leaders use less water than average. Also, as a result of the media scrutiny, city officials have vowed to do a better job. They pointed to leaks in sprinkler systems as major culprits. This story is about more than just finger pointing. Given rising population and vast uncertainty as a result of global warming, it is very likely that these types of conflicts over resources will get much more intense. True, Americans expect a lot from their elected officials, who are widely thought to serve as good examples for the community. Holding them up to high standards is important. But it's also important for everyone to revaluate their water and other resource use. We can all do more.

• U.S. Drought Intensifies
• Wildfires Prompt State of Emergency
• U.S. Heat Wave Sets In

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