… A quiet revolution is unfolding across Bay Area suburbs. In cities like Berkeley and San Jose, the meaning of a “nice yard” is being redefined. With water bills rising each summer—by an average of 6.5% in the East Bay and 5.5% in the South Bay, according to East Bay Municipal Utility District and San Jose Water—more residents are putting down the hose and embracing a wilder approach to residential landscaping. These so-called “feral lawns” take many forms. Some are carefully planned native gardens filled with drought-tolerant California flora, while others look like an HOA citation waiting to happen. But one thing is clear: Those who stray from traditional lawn culture often face pushback from nosy neighbors and city officials for their decision to disrupt the suburban status quo.

Other water conservation news around the West:

• The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah): Salt Lake County’s largest water provider just raised property taxes, renewing debate over how Utahns pay for water
• The Salt Lake Tribune (Utah): Pound for pound, this Utah city is outpacing Las Vegas in tearing out thirsty lawns
• FOX13 (Salt Lake City, Utah): St. George residents replace lawns with water-saving artificial turf