Solution to floods and lack of fresh water.

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The discussion centers on the inadequacies of current flood management strategies, particularly the reliance on levees, which can exacerbate flooding when breached. It highlights the depletion of water tables due to excessive extraction, raising concerns about sustainable water management. Proposals to build dams often face environmental backlash, yet historical examples like the Alaska pipeline and Hoover Dam demonstrate that large projects can yield significant benefits, including recreational opportunities and clean energy generation. A proposed solution advocates for the construction of lakes nationwide by building dams, relocating cities, and designating downstream areas for parks and recreation. This approach aims to manage water levels, prevent floods, enhance freshwater availability, and support wildlife, while also addressing the pressing need for better water resource management amid growing scarcity. The discussion invites criticism and suggestions for improvement, emphasizing the urgency of exploring alternatives to current practices.
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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