Heat waves aside, summertime is often a dry time. But drought conditions are supposed to be exceptions to the regular patterns of dry weather. But with 56% of the country currently shown in drought (below, from the US Drought Monitor at Nebraska) and with climate scientists anticipating significant dust bowl effects, it is worth asking whether the ASLA is doing enough on water efficiency. They give awards to projects that demonstrate innovative and sensitive responses and provide general guidelines, but many members continue to design water-intensive landscapes. How much should we lead and how much must we follow?