It's the Water, Stupid!

Last week in my Watershed Management course we were asked to share our ideas concerning the future of fresh water supply and the potential for 'water wars'. I consider it quite obvious that, with supplies dwindling and populations increasing, these wars are inevitable.

The continued, and increasing, need for energy supplies, and the United States' need for 'stuff' only adds to this crisis. The generation of power requires water, as does the production of all the 'stuff' that we aimlessly buy. On top of that, we waste incredible amounts of both water and energy resources daily.

At what point will we really have to 'fight' over how these sources are divvied out?

Two articles graced the pages of a local paper today, both regarding water and my best friends at Tenasty.

They have finally admitted, publicly and without argument (from one of 'us'), that they need [a minimum of] ten million gallons of water daily to allow for wet cooling at their plant. Although they continue to stress the point that dry cooling practices would require only two million gallons daily, we all know that it is impossible to consistently employ this method of cooling in this hot and dry an area.

So what made them breakdown?

Conspiracy theorists suggest that throwing out a number so large as TEN million makes TWO million look like a pittance, thus garnering more public support.

Conspiracy theorist though I may be, I have to disagree.

Those of us opposed to this monster have been stressing this point from day one. Since we are not 'Tenasty Officials' our voices are oftentimes ignored. 'Officials' (and I use that term loosely), treated us as though we were completely wacky, as though our attempts to release such falsified information culminated in our padded rooms in the psych ward.

The admittance from such a corporation that water demands far exceed supply in a desired area of fruition tells me a lot. I see it as desperation. They have finally gotten to a point where the truth must be told. Crucial decisions will be made from here on out, and water is at the center of those decisions.

Despite their attempts to keep such discussions as low-key as possible, there is no denying that we are in the midst of a water war. It is them against us. Those who want to preserve and protect the limited sources we have here in west Texas, and those who feel they can barge in and risk the lives of thousands.

The 'winner' of said war will likely not be decided for several months to come... Or maybe Tenasty will just silently back out and disappear forever.

It's the water, stupid. It always has been. A new chapter in our fight has begun. I hope.