The Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan highlights the urgent need for water conservation due to climate change, while raising concerns about the lack of utilization of existing water rights from the San Juan River. The high cost of new water storage solutions poses challenges for residents, reiterating the necessity for a re-evaluation of the county’s water management strategies, especially given the growth in the region.
In reviewing the Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan, it becomes evident that a significant concern exists regarding the projected water scarcity linked to climate change. The plan advocates for stringent water conservation practices; however, implementing new water storage solutions poses a considerable financial burden, estimated at approximately $1 per gallon of storage. The challenge lies in persuading residents to invest in water reuse strategies when the county has not fully leveraged its existing water rights from the San Juan River Diversion Project. Currently, municipalities such as Albuquerque and Santa Fe actively utilize their water allocations, whereas Los Alamos opts to sell its rights. This begs the question: how can the county assert the existence of an impending water shortage when it is not capitalizing on the resources already available? A review in the past determined against harnessing this supply, yet with the growth of both the Los Alamos National Laboratory and the surrounding community, a re-evaluation of this decision is imperative. The pressing need for increased water resources cannot be overstated; if proactive measures are not taken to secure this water source, the potential for loss exists.
The discussion surrounding water management in Los Alamos County is of paramount importance, particularly in the context of climate change and its anticipated impact on water supplies. The Climate Action Plan outlines the necessity for aggressive water conservation measures in anticipation of future shortages. However, the county’s current strategy raises concerns about its commitment to utilizing existing resources effectively, particularly the water rights allocated from the San Juan River Diversion Project, which remains underutilized.
In summary, the Los Alamos County Climate Action Plan emphasizes the need for water conservation in light of climate-induced scarcity. Nonetheless, the efficacy of this plan is undermined by the county’s failure to utilize its existing water rights fully. A new approach is required that prioritizes the active use of these resources to ensure sustainable water management as the region continues to grow. Without such measures, the county risks not only water scarcity but also the loss of valuable water rights.
Original Source: losalamosreporter.com
