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Desalinization issues continue. What are your thoughts?

Tuesday, 24 January 2012 16:00 by Kevin Markley Columns - Local Talk
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lt michael_davidI’m thinking it may be a good idea. I’m concerned with the cost but our need for fresh water is only growing. 
Michael David 
Santa Cruz | Job Hunting


lt bruce_brattonI’m against it. It’s costly, unproven and environmentally unsound.
Bruce Bratton
Santa Cruz | Radio Broadcaster and columnist



lt matt_mitchell
There are obvious benefits to desal along with draw backs ranging from cost to environmental impact. With respect to the current desal proposals I would describe my position as undecided but optimistic.
Matt Mitchell
Santa Cruz | Firefighter



lt greg_gibson

We need to figure it out. Santa Cruz has always done things a little differently than other places. So I think it’s only fitting that we come up with a creative solution to manage our water needs, people’s demands, and the county’s budget.
Greg Gibson
Santa Cruz | Chef / Parish Pub


lt william_chasar
I’m for it. Agriculture is an important industry that requires large amounts of water, and I think desal could help fulfill that need.
William Chasar
Santa Cruz | Carpet Installer
Comments (2)Add Comment
...
written by B Smith, January 25, 2012
A desalination plant is a step in the right direction to supplement Santa Cruz's needs in the coming years. Our city is a benchmark for other cities in water conservation (there is no argument that we can always do better), but there is no doubt that we will come into another drought and short of raising the dam at Loch Lomand the town will not have sufficient water supplies.

People like Bruce Bratton who commented on this subject, in my opinion are short sighted and lack any insight. Our city needs to be forward thinking in managing our water requirements for the coming years and for the next generation. I think it is actually shellfish of people to think it is "too costly" and ignorant to state "unproven" (as it is proven), and unsound (as there are secondary resources for the salt generated from a desalination plant).
This program could push Santa Cruz to the forefront of innovative water management and recycling, it is time that Santa Cruz break the shackles of the old guard who do not understand or want any change because they do not understand or want to.
...
written by Douglas Deitch, January 25, 2012
I absolutely agree with hoary Santa Cruz Sage Bruce Bratton.... However, if we absolutely MUST build a $100 or $400 million plus desal plant here in the veritable rain forest of our Monterey Bay...one thing for sure is that there reasonably need not be more than one Monterey Bay regional plant/facility for our 600,000 people or so residing here, it should be neither "amateur hour" Soquel Creek Water District and/or SC Water/SC City Council planning, developing, and running it, there shouldn't be any public money paying for this case of first impression facility (please see "Deep Water Desal Proposal", w/ later public ownership of facility and solar power planned in), and, most certainly, it should not be located in the City of Santa Cruz....or anywhere near it. Try Moss Landing, proximate to the power plant and grid...for starters.

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