The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Arizona, not unsimilar to other desert states, has a real problem with water. Having lived in other states like Florida where there is an average of 35+ inches of rain a year you don’t worry about running out of water. The biggest concern is hoping that water drains as fast as possible before flooding. Not so in Arizona where the average rainfall is around 9 inches and less in some areas in a good year. If communities are planned well, there is only so much water to go around. And yes, in some areas growing grass is against local ordinances to further protect local environments. It’s a desert not a rain forest and water is scarce. A few communities in Phoenix have had water rights revoked. A house without water is like a house without electricity — uninhabitable.In fact, one of the stupidest things I have yet to wrap my head around are all the idiots moving to a desert area and planting things like citrus trees, roses, palm trees and of all things Magnolia trees. Stressing many delicate eco-systems to the breaking point. In my opinion, there should be bans placed on all non-native plants, as well as non-city or town swimming pools and outdoor spas. Get rid of all those stupid family and corporate farms and ranches and their water subsidies. As well as all the golf courses! My gosh where I live there are a total of seven golf courses! What an absolute waste of water!
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So areas like Flagstaff have real limits placed on how many houses can be built. This adds to prices compounded by whatever madness happens in Washington DC. If government wants to really help — make those 3% and in some cases, 2% house loans assumable to those with good to great credit ratings with no backlash on sellers if the buyers fall through on the loan — then I’ll consider selling my house in Oro Valley, otherwise I am holding.And get rid of all the water waste Arizona! Will fewer people want to move to a desert if it stays desert? Probably but that would also help with soaring house prices, while allowing for more single-family homes to be built. While there is plenty in Washington DC to complain about, Arizona, we have to stop blaming everything on big government and take responsibility for our mistakes and fix them while we can before we hit real water rationing and serious water taxes that will make property taxes seem like a joke. And lowering the prices on native plants, hell, make it free to plant a native cactus in comparison to a non-native apple tree!
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Jennie Sweo is a homeowner living in Arizona.
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