The Drought Is So Bad in Calif. That People Are Painting Lawns Green

At least one gym in California is trying to conserve water during what is called the state's worst drought in nearly four decades with a technology appropriate for its Silicon Valley setting.

Almaden Valley Athletic Club in San Jose, California, started using a trademarked product this week that coats brown lawns into green grass with paint.

Jeff Griffith-Jones, general manager of operations of the 38-year old fitness center, said the gym decided to pay about $600 for the services of Green Polymer Systems, a company based in nearby Los Gatos. The green treatment should last three to six months, he said.

"It looks phenomenal," Griffith-Jones said.

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PHOTO: Green Canary worker Josue Bojorquez sprays green water-based paint on a partially dead lawn

California Approves Fines for Water-Wasters

While some cities in California are responding to a severe drought by charging more for water or limiting water use, San Jose doesn't have those restrictions. Last week, the state's water regulators voted to approve fines up to $500 a day for residents' excessive water use.

But the fitness center's management decided to take measures upon the concern of some of its 6,000 customers.

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The Drought Is So Bad in Calif. That People Are Painting Lawns Green