Solution to floods and lack of fresh water.

  • Thread starter wyzowl
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In summary: Wouldn't it make more sense to build large lakes all over the country and manage the levels so that floods don't happen in the first place?
  • #1
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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  • #2
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.
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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 ?
 
  • #5


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

1. How can we prevent floods from occurring?

There are several ways to prevent floods from occurring. One solution is to build dams and levees, which can control the flow of water and prevent it from overflowing. Another solution is to implement land use planning and zoning to prevent development in flood-prone areas. Additionally, natural solutions such as restoring wetlands and creating green spaces can help absorb excess water and mitigate flooding.

2. How can we provide enough fresh water for everyone?

One solution to provide enough fresh water for everyone is through water conservation and management. This involves reducing water usage, implementing efficient irrigation systems, and properly treating and reusing wastewater. Another solution is to invest in new technologies such as desalination and water harvesting to increase the availability of fresh water.

3. What role does climate change play in floods and water scarcity?

Climate change can exacerbate both floods and water scarcity. As temperatures rise, extreme weather events such as heavy rainfall and droughts become more frequent, leading to increased flooding and water scarcity. Additionally, climate change can also affect the availability of fresh water sources, such as melting glaciers and changing precipitation patterns.

4. How can we address both flooding and water scarcity simultaneously?

One approach to addressing both flooding and water scarcity is through integrated water resource management. This involves considering the entire water system and finding solutions that balance the needs of different stakeholders and address both flooding and water scarcity. This can include implementing green infrastructure, improving water storage and distribution systems, and promoting sustainable water use practices.

5. What can individuals do to help with the solution to floods and lack of fresh water?

Individuals can help by conserving water in their daily lives, such as fixing leaks and using water-efficient appliances. They can also support local and national efforts to address flooding and water scarcity, such as participating in community clean-up events and advocating for sustainable water policies. Additionally, individuals can educate themselves and others about the importance of addressing these issues and take action to reduce their carbon footprint to mitigate the effects of climate change.

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