Hey Bathsheba,

I saw the program and it saddened me too. Travelling across the US was a real eye opener for me, just mile after mile of urban sprawl, McMansions as far as the eye can see.

Incredibly ugly and soulless.

I'm not sure about the use of farmable land for developments though, it does seem pretty bad. I think that water is the major issue the Artisian Basin that you refer to is already having water extracted from it faster than it can recharge. Its a nice idea, the thought of sustainable communities in the desert but its not inline with current politics . I like the idea of using the hilly ground though, makes for housing with extra character too!