California Drought Claims New Casualties – Los Angeles Mormons Allow Famous Temple Lawn to Die

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Due to severe drought in Los Angeles which has resulted in reduced water usage, a huge area of green grass in front of the Mormon temple has died.

As severe drought continues throughout California, Democratic Governor Jerry Brown has ordered his cities and towns all across the Golden State to cut down their water usage by 25 percent.

The historic, hard-line mandatory water restrictions have had repercussions with surprising casualties. Last month, even the famous lawn of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Santa Monica Boulevard in West Los Angeles was left unwatered. As a result, the 98,000 square feet area of green grass has now almost all but died.

According to the Los Angeles Times, representatives of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints described their decision as “difficult.” Many view this move by the Mormons as an encouragement for others in affluent areas of Los Angeles to save water too.

The Mormon church stressed in a statement, however, that it is “pleased to join others across Los Angeles and California in reducing water consumption during this historic drought.” The Mormons say they hope and pray for the weather conditions to improve, so that they can restore the temple grounds.

The temple has generally cut down its water usage for the surrounding grounds over the past three years.

Dedicated in 1956, the Los Angeles temple is the second-largest temple in the United States operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The temple grounds are open to the public and, besides the lush garden, include two fountains and a large reflection pool.

Californians have been suffering from the record-breaking drought for months. State officials have put in place other water restrictions too. Those who don’t save water could be fined. Also the use of potable water in watering is forbidden, if less than 48 hours have passed since the last rain.

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