Why Create Watery Wonders in a Desert Landscape?

Lest you and some of the talented landscape designers misunderstand: We are all in love with water (“Splash,” by Barbara Thornburg, Home Design Issue, May 20). At a time in California’s history when we face near-drought conditions, when we are desperate for rain, when we face the summer months with dread as dangerous fires feed on the dry earth, when the state’s agriculture will be hit hard, I’m sickened by your featuring the use of water for purely decorative purposes.

The wealthiest among us can have soft streams and ponds that require fresh water. Little waterfalls . . . how charming. I wonder if the inevitable water shortage will shock us into realizing that we must all take responsibility for our actions. A little more sensitivity and awareness of reality in your choice of articles would be welcome.

Harriet Glickman

Sherman Oaks

I enjoyed the Home Design Issue featuring artful uses of water for decoration in Southern California. I recently visited Fallingwater in southwestern Pennsylvania, and your readers unfamiliar with this home should look at this 1930s design. It stills looks fabulous.

Kevin H. Park

Agoura Hills

The conceit of the Venice beachside house, “waterfall as air conditioner,” would make more sense if it were sited in the San Fernando Valley, Glendale or even Beverly Hills (“Water Cooler,” by Barbara Thornburg, Home Design Issue, May 20). However, the incoming breezes that buffet this home have already been cooled by the largest water feature in Southern California: the Pacific Ocean. There might be three days a year when air-conditioning is needed in oceanfront Venice. Even then, all you would have to do is open the window.

Cynthia A. Smith

Venice