‘Food grows, where water flows’

Is there a more precious natural resource greater than water?
After all, the average human male is 60% water and after three days will need water or perish. As for food, he can make it three weeks without-—though that would not be a fun experience. It’s difficult to think of a more precious resource … Life is water.
While driving in the central valley of California on highways 5 or 99, every now and then you come across the signage of the growers: “Food Grows, Where Water Flows.” Some drivers, anxious to get to work or to that special vacation destination, miss the simplicity and common sense of this message. But farmers and ranchers understand this truth. Maybe there should be signs in our cities as well.
This is the third year of below-average rainfall. Are citizens doing everything they can to save water both inside and outside the home? A big question that deserves more than an editorial from a local farmer growing nursery products. However, in answer to part of the question, we at Garden Accents are in the second year of testing of an Australian subsurface drip irrigation system that has the ability to save upwards of 60% or greater of landscape water use and still retain the benefits of live interactive plant material. Irrigation technology is improving and needs brave people to employ this new way of maintaining plant material within the landscape. This question is not if, but when will the consumer welcome this new technology?
As we pass through our cities and neighborhoods and see water being used in a less than efficient manner, poor distribution uniformity—broken pipes, broken sprinkler heads, irrigation runoff—we need to take note and make the changes necessary to use water as efficient as possible at our homes and commercial properties. In watching local agriculture professionals continue to improve the use of water using weather data, satellite soil monitors and sensors shows how far we have come in solving complex questions of how much to water.  
At a recent meeting of the Morgan Hill General Plan Action Committee, some questioned the role of local agriculture and its need. It was an interesting question as a second-generation farmer. As a local grower, this is a great time to discuss the value of local agriculture. Production agriculture still exists in the Santa Clara Valley but is taking on a new twist as well: The slow food movement, support for local food sources, community supported agriculture (CSA’s), boutique stone fruit growers, high-end winemakers, brewers of specialty beers with special hops and grains, grass-fed beef, unique goat cheeses, new and interesting vegetable growers and nurseries providing incredible plant materials to create a haven for our senses of sight, taste and space are filling community needs. Local agriculture is adapting and making our lives better, reflecting the communities they serve, benefiting the citizens who support such endeavors. Water allows this to happen for the grower and consumer alike.
Water, at times, is difficult to observe. Within agriculture, a great percentage of the water that is employed in the production process is encapsulated within the foods we consume daily, hydrating our bodies. This is a good thing. It provides and protects a healthy community. Every trip to the farmers market or grocery store displays varying “containers of water” —fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products readily available and at a low cost. Every trip to the local nursery displays incredible plants that cool, shade, add color, create scent, sound and provide personal sanctuary as well as wildlife habitat. Water is a natural engine of life.
Indeed, we are in a drought and need to think of new ways to manage water. It is an opportunity not to be wasted. Since the last two droughts of the 70s and 90s, water professionals have worked hard on water marketing, increasing ground water storage, protecting our environment and even adding some storage. For this we are all grateful. But more work needs to be done. From a farmer’s point-of-view, all of the differing fractions need to come together, make some compromises and update California’s water system. Yes, more reclaimed water, grey water, recycled water and conservation will need to part of the fix and we all need to embrace these changes.
Growers, being entrepreneurial spirits at heart, have answered the call many times to use water more efficiently and effectively producing more products per acre while keeping consumer prices low and will continue to do so. So let us begin the conversation on how to improve our communities and use water more effectively.
We can do so much better working together. Personally, I use a bucket to catch the cold water from my morning showers to use in the garden. It’s simple and effective without busting the budget. So far I’m working on saving more than 20% in my household use, shorter showers, reducing run times on the garden irrigation clock, full loads of laundry and dishes, etc.  Good luck to you on your personal approach to saving 20% of your water use this year. Let us begin the hard work of using water better.