The article critiques the Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan, highlighting concerns over proposed water conservation efforts versus the county’s unused water rights. It emphasizes the significant costs associated with water storage and questions the rationale behind contemplating a water shortage while neglecting available resources. The author advocates for a reassessment of water rights management in light of community growth.
In reviewing the Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan, I have identified a significant concern regarding the proposal for aggressive water conservation in light of anticipated water scarcity caused by climate change. The plan necessitates substantial investments in water storage tanks, which are estimated to cost approximately $1 per gallon of storage. Given the substantial water consumption reflected in utility bills, this represents a serious financial consideration for residents. Therefore, I question the County’s strategy for motivating citizens to invest in water reuse initiatives, particularly as they currently do not capitalize on existing water rights. Los Alamos possesses allocation from the San Juan River Diversion Project, yet unlike Albuquerque and Santa Fe, which actively utilize their allocations, the county sells its water rights. This raises the question: how can we anticipate a water crisis if we are not even utilizing our current resources? This issue was previously examined, and it was determined to forgo actions to secure this vital water source. However, given the current growth of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and the community itself, it may be time to reassess this decision. Failure to secure this water allocation could lead to its loss, especially as the demand for water inevitably increases with ongoing development.
The Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan was developed in response to growing concerns over climate change and its impact on local water supplies. In light of predictions indicating future water shortages, the plan emphasizes the need for water conservation efforts, including investment in water storage solutions. The county holds water rights from the San Juan River Diversion Project that have yet to be fully utilized, prompting questions about the efficacy of the conservation strategies proposed in the plan.
In conclusion, the Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan presents a necessary yet problematic approach to water conservation amidst climate change concerns. The financial burden of implementing the proposed water storage solutions, coupled with the county’s underutilization of existing water rights, presents a paradox in addressing projected water shortages. It is imperative that county officials revisit their decisions regarding water allocations to ensure sustainable growth for LANL and the surrounding community.
Original Source: losalamosreporter.com
