[Vision2020] Alternative Water Sources/ was Potential Opportunity from Perceived Necessity

[Garrett Clevenger]

Ken writes:

"Should such a project to build, for example, a 30 or 36 inch diameter pipeline for a distance of at least as many miles, with associated pumping stations and distribution lines, be shown to be feasible from an engineering vantagepoint, then consideration of the legal rights, financing options, and the public and commercial uses of such a resource could proceed with more specificity and determination."


I agree that since water is crucial to everybody, we need to ensure we don't run out and that we have enough to go around reasonably. My initial reaction to the pipeline idea makes me think about Pheonix and other cities that pipe out of the Colorado river. 

I think if you arificially introduce water to an area, you are probably going to grow more than is sustainable since water no longer becomes a limiting resource. Perhaps the Snake River has enough water to meet all expected needs. Perhaps it is high enough quality to be potable, and not too high in minerals that if it were used in irrigation it would leave too much salt in the soil. Perhaps it would be an economically feasible and wise project.

Are people using Snake River water for residential uses now? Lewiston uses Clearwater River water. The Lewiston Orchards irrigation district uses mostly groundwater, and they are right near the snake and clearwater rivers. Their ability to use surface water has been curtailed over the years. Some farms are irrigated with snake river water. 

I think people are probably as possesive of that water as any, and it probably would be a fight to gain access to any of it.

I think if a project like that is seriously proposed, they need to make sure to study other irrigation projects around the country, because things always tend to cost more than initially planned, whether economically or with unintended environmental consequences (like using up the colorado river completely. Most times it doesn't reach the Pacific Ocean anymore, and the water that's at the end of the river is so brackish as to be toxic.)

I like the idea of building resevoirs to store precipatation that falls in the area. It seems like a less expensive and more locally derived solution to water problems we may face. It's possible that the water would be more prone to contamination (by air pollution and less time to filter out contaminates) Perhaps if it were planned well, it would go a long way in securing water.

I agree that there are other options than relying solely on groundwater, though that obviously is the easiest and cheapest option (unless it runs out!) It seems like it would be wise planning to study the feasibility of those other options.

gclev