SAN DIEGO -- The current water shortage in California could really change the way many homeowners care for their back yards.

"Well, I've actually had the yard for more than 20 years," said Michael Prairie.

During that time, Prairie has transformed his Pacific Beach yard into a pristine Japanese garden.

His yard includes waterfalls, bamboo and Korea grass.

However, such beauty comes at a price.

"Yeah, our water bill is atrocious," said Prairie.

Prairie estimated he uses 70 percent more water than his neighbor mostly because some of his trees and plants require a lot of water.

"It's irresponsible, no matter how much you love your garden, to use the amount I do," said Prairie.

Prairie loves his yard, just like thousands of other San Diegans. But if the region runs out of water like predicted, keeping gardens like Prairie's green is going to cost a lot more than it does now.

"When that happens I'm going to take the garden hose from both of my neighbors and bring them over the fence …," said Prairie.

All joking aside, Prairie knows he's in trouble so he's cutting his water use.

"Change all the sprinklers and using drips and I hope I can cut the water use by at least 30 percent," said Prairie.

Nurseries like the Armstrong Garden Center are seeing a lot more people like Prairie -- customers who want a nice yard but don't want to use a lot of water.

Armstrong is now stocking more drought-resistant plants.

Jon Swanson of the Armstrong Garden Center said, "I think people still want to plant things in their yard so they'll still come in, and as long as we can steer them towards things that don't use as much water I think we'll be okay."

A bigger water bill will hurt homeowners who love their gardens -- like Prairie -- the hardest.

"But that's not excuse for irresponsible water use," said Prairie.

Prairie estimated his yard was worth at least $100,000.