tourist flocked. from 1950 to 2015 the population exploded by roughly 1500%. by 2020, estimates show the population will grow by another 20%. but all the growth comes with a very steep price for the entire state pap price paid in water. california says per capita three desert communities are among the top ten biggest daily water hogs in the entire state. while the local authorities dispute the figures because many residents only live here part-time. this is what california s deserts are supposed to look like. it s barren. nothing is growing, nothing is green. but look across the street at this gated subdivision and you see lush, manicured lawns and even golf courses. critics say this defies mother nature and it is not sustainable. local blogger casey dolean says the resorts like the one where we met are dated and secured