How can we justify building desalinization plants (very expensive, use a lot of energy) when half of potable water is used for irrigation. Does not make fiscal sense. St. Augustine should not be required anywhere. And surely not used in local/county/state government properties. If you must have a green lawn, bahia is a great substitute. Requires much less water and chemicals and looks wonderful if allowed to go to seed. We took our St. Augustine out and could not be happier with Bahia.