Desert with Water

Las Vegas reminds me of Disney World in that so much is fake and glamorous. The amount of water in use here astounds me. The surrounding desert is completely dry and brown, but in town, there are lush lawns, golf courses, gigantic pools & fountains. I wonder how long this can last. I read recently of areas in California that are refusing to grant residential construction permits unless there is guaranteed 20 year supply of water. 20 years seems like an awfully short amount of time. Perhaps we deserve the fate that awaits us?