No need for reservoir

It seems that the time has come for us to cut our losses on the reservoir. As  a civil engineer, I understand the benefits of having a reservoir, for recreation, water supply, and flood control. I also appreciate the immense  effort that goes into designing, constructing, and maintaining dams. As a  geologist, I understand that in the end, all reservoirs are doomed to failure, succumbing to the natural forces that created watercourses and  canyons in the first place.
Consider that we really have no further need of the reservoir, as we have  moved beyond the needs for which it was constructed in the first place.
In the case of the Los Alamos Reservoir, it has become clear that we are  fighting a losing battle, and it is time to let it go. Rather than continuing   to stuff money into the proverbial hole in the dike, we should focus the remaining budget for the project on making a graceful retreat. I suggest we  dismantle what is left of the dam, and restore the canyon to a state where nature can finish the job and return the canyon to a natural state.
 Such dam  removals and restorations are proceeding around the country, and we should follow the that trend.
John Tauxe
Los Alamos

If you subscribe to the newspaper, you receive FREE access to all the exclusive content of the web site! Simply register to receive uninterrupted access to our award-winning and in-depth local online content!

Renew Current or Past Subscription / Register for Online Subscription

If you currently subscribe or have subscribed in the past to the Los Alamos Monitor, then simply find your account number on your mailing label and enter it below.

Click the question mark below to see where your account ID appears on your mailing label.

Newspaper Acct. ID:
Street Address:	(exactly as it appears on the label)

If you are a subscriber and you do not know your account ID or don't have a copy of your newspaper available that shows the information on the address label you can click continue below to search for your account.

New Subscription/30 Day Free Trial Account

If you are new to the award winning Los Alamos Monitor and wish to get a subscription or simply gain access to our online content then please enter your ZIP code below and continue to setup your account.

ZIP Code:

Create a limited access account.
Register to participate in community forums, post on the community calendar, blog etc. This registration does not give you full access to read our award winning content, etc.

The Los Alamos Monitor | lacirculation@lamonitor.com | 505-662-4185
256 DP Road, Los Alamos, NM 87544
Office Hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday