Robert Gehrke’s column on July 10 (“Not in my front yard”) downplays legitimate environmental issues with artificial turf. It also demonstrates the trap of simplistic thinking about complex urban socio-ecological systems.
Yes, residential water conservation is important and lawns are often a culprit due to over watering. But the lion’s share of water use statewide is for commercial agriculture. Our mountain valley ecosystems have been highly modified over the past 150 years, and one of the biggest problems is the extent of impervious surfaces — roads, parking lots and roofs. These prevent ground water infiltration and cause excessive stormwater runoff to the impaired Jordan River and Great Salt Lake.