The Lawn Institute has a strong history of funding scientific research that improves the use of resources for lawn maintenance and quantifies the benefits of lawns. 

Synthetic turf surfaces have long been regarded as a lower maintenance alternative to natural turf. However, synthetic surfaces like natural turf have their shortcomings. In the spring of 2002 a Field Turf synthetic surface was installed on one half of Brigham Young University’s Football Practice Field. 

For an ABC News report of possible dangers of synthetic fields view this YouTube video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8h0189MLBQ. (Note that YouTube content can be removed at any time.)

Homeowners, armed with a weather forecast predicting severe drought can take proper preparations that can greatly improve the chances of their home lawn surviving, even with very limited water.