Reflecting Pool Drained At Getty Villa In Drought-Fighting Move
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The ongoing drought emergency in California has prompted new water conservation measures at the Getty Center and Villa.
KNX 1070's Claudia Peschiutta reports the reflecting pool at the Getty Villa has been drained and the fountains at the Getty Center are no longer flowing.
The museum will only leave running water on in pools and fountains containing fish and plant life, as well as the Central Garden, a living sculpture by artist Robert Irwin that is also part of the Getty's famed art collection.
Ron Hartwig, vice president of communications for the J. Paul Getty Trust, said turning off the water features at the Getty Center and the Getty Villa saves nearly 2,500 gallons a day. That savings comes on top of an overall 55 percent reduction in water usage at Getty Center since it opened in 1997.
According to Hartwig, Getty officials have posted signs in front of the water features that have been turned off informing visitors about drought conditions in Southern California.
"We're hopeful that visitors, particularly those coming from other areas that are unaware of the situation we're in, will be mindful of it," Hartwig said.
The decision was made by museum officials after Gov. Jerry Brown urged Californians to reduce their water use by 20 percent.
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