Don’t neglect hydropower
Re “Water releases rise at Folsom Lake” (Local, March 8): Water releases are necessary flood-control measures. A more serious question is whether scarce water is being traded for hydroelectric (green) power.
I propose a baseline hydroelectric supply that excludes pumped reservoirs and flood-control releases routed through turbines. In any drought year, this baseline should be zero for all federal, state or utility dams. Can anyone assure me that it is, and that any revenue from excess generation is not being used as a substitute for taxes?
Paul Snawder, Davis
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Folsom Dam release is absurd
My water comes from Folsom Lake, and it is being “dumped” from the lake for flood control. The amount is much more than the San Juan Water District’s total usage.
It seems like a perfect time for people to accomplish those long-awaited water projects such as fixing the crack in the swimming pool, washing the patio, deep watering lawns and gardens, and filling the ponds for use during restriction times. All of this would use only a small fraction of the water being dumped.
A temporary lifting of restrictions would help us prepare for and better weather the restricted times as well as provide San Juan with much needed additional revenue that would perhaps help prevent the discussed rate increases. This could also give us a short reprieve in our restrictions?
Gary O’Dell, Granite Bay
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