Solution to floods and lack of fresh water.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around potential solutions to flooding and the lack of fresh water, focusing on the construction of dams and lakes as a means to manage water resources. Participants explore the implications of such projects on the environment, urban planning, and water management.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that current flood management strategies, such as levees, may exacerbate flooding when breached and suggest that seasonal floods historically enriched farmland.
  • Concerns are raised about the depletion of water tables due to excessive extraction, which some participants view as unsustainable.
  • A proposal is made to build dams and lakes across the country, with the intention of managing water levels, preventing floods, and providing recreational opportunities.
  • Some participants highlight the environmental and social challenges associated with dam construction, including the displacement of communities and wildlife concerns.
  • One participant cites historical examples, such as the Aswan Dam and the Three Gorges Dam, to argue that the benefits of such projects can outweigh the costs of relocation.
  • Another participant questions the practicality of moving cities and suggests alternative solutions, such as avoiding living in water-scarce areas.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and implications of the proposed dam and lake projects. While some advocate for the potential benefits, others raise concerns about the practicality and environmental impact, indicating that the discussion remains unresolved.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes various assumptions about the environmental impact of dam construction, the social implications of relocating communities, and the effectiveness of proposed water management strategies. These factors are not fully explored or agreed upon.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in environmental science, urban planning, water resource management, and the socio-political implications of large infrastructure projects may find this discussion relevant.

wyzowl
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1. Our solution to floods seems to be locked in on building levees thereby constricting the free flow of water and increasing flooding when they are breached. When I went to school we were taught that seasonal floods enriched the farmland.
2. By drawing more water from the water tables than they can replenish we are depleting a valuable resource.
3. Is a proposal is made to build a dam for whatever reason an backlash occurs to not destroy the environment, the wild waters, the endangered species, et al. If we were to propse Washington D. C. today we would never leave the courts. Back in them days there was a marsh and canals right up to the Capital building. Consequently we would have no mall, no Smithsonian and in fact a very resricted city. (Maybe that would be for the best.)
4. When we have overcome all the objections we end up with a much better environment and facility than we had before whatever project was initiated. The Alaska pipeline has not decimated the wildlife or the environment and yet it has had some disasterous accidents that have been contained.
5. A project like Hoover dam eliminated some wild areas and white water sports. The lake today supports a much better facility for recreation as well as a clean method of generating electricity. A veritable inland ocean that brings watersports to thousands of people that do not have to travel to the coast; clogging roads and burning gasoline to do so.
6. Proposed solution: Build lakes all over the country by building dams wherever possible. Move cities et al out of the way and let the water rule. Prohibit building downstream from the dams; this land is for parks and recreation.
6a. Benefits:
a. The fresh water can be used for drinking, irrigation etc.
b. We are not flushing good fresh water into the salty ocean where it can't be used.
c. By managing the water levels we can prevent floods by capturing excessive precipitation.
d. The lakes provide recreation for millions of inland people and reduce traffic to coasts. Saving gas and unclogging highways.
e. The deep water lakes can be used for transportation that is now prohibited by shallow and unpredictable rivers. Cheaper commerce will result. Jobs will be created.
f. Water tables may be replenished in areas where the overlaying soil allows the water to permeate. At any rate we can use the lake and preserve the existing water table.
g. By covering the land area with fresh water we will improve overall environmental effects. (Must be studied and evaluated.)
h. Different wildlife will flourish more abundantly than our present urban areas that must be moved.
i. Flood reduction will conserve disaster funds and save lives and property.
INITIAL CONCEPT.
I have been thinking of this for some time but I may have left something out. If so I will add to this idea as additional thoughs occur. Watch for updates.

Any and all criticism invited.
 
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Corrections.

3. Is a proposal is made to build a dam for whatever reason an backlash occurs to not destroy the environment, the wild waters, the endangered species, et al. If we were to propse Washington D. C. today we would never leave the courts. Back in them days there was a marsh and canals right up to the Capital building. Consequently we would have no mall, no Smithsonian and in fact a very resricted city. (Maybe that would be for the best.)
Should read:
3. If a proposal is made to build a dam for whatever reason a backlash occurs to not destroy the environment...
If we were to propose Washington...
Sorry about the hasty input with mistakes; I'll be more careful next time.
 
Greetings wyzowl !
Originally posted by wyzowl
6. Proposed solution: Build lakes all over
the country by building dams wherever
possible. Move cities et al out of the
way and let the water rule. Prohibit
building downstream from the dams; this
land is for parks and recreation.
I'm sorry, but isn't that a bit... impractical ? :wink:

Live long and prosper.
 
Impractical?

Cities and artifacts were moved for Aswan; the benefits are enormous. Three Gorges is moving thousands of people; it will be worth the effort and the uprooting will be forgotten in a few years. Just wait until we are fighting internal wars over water in a few short years. We are right now going hundreds of miles and across state lines to get water and power for large cities; it will only get worse. We must start NOW to study alternatives.
It seems silly to me that we take a resource, fresh water given to use from above, and flush it into narrow flood prone leveed channels and dump it into the salty oceans. Along the way we destroy property and kill people. The money would be better spent building the dams and accomodating the resultant boon of lakes and advantages.
YES, YES, YES, it will be a trumatic era, moving and building but something MUST be done.
Is there a better alternative ?
 


Originally posted by wyzowl
Is there a better alternative ?
Don't live in a desert?
Seems much more wyz to me. :wink:
 

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