Editor:
We face a dramatic opportunity, Sunshine Coast. We have abundant fresh water available “if” we open our minds.
We must consider alternatives to catching rainwater in Chapman Lake. Climate change has arrived. Concurrently, scientists project a massive increase in ocean water levels – hence our opportunity. We cannot hope and pray for our plentiful water of past decades to return.
It seems we have two options: a) desalinate ocean salt water, or b) build extensive rainwater catchment infrastructure.
Desalination is a process that removes salts and minerals from saline water to provide fresh potable water for human consumption in many countries of the world. It is a clean growth industry with extensive world demand for fresh water.
Might it be appropriate for SCRD to discuss with Howe Sound Pulp and Paper a joint public/private investment to convert the paper division now closed to create a desalination plant? Potable water could flow through our SCRD water lines, and a pipeline across Howe Sound could supply the North Shore and Vancouver. As well, from our Port Mellon desalination plant we might deliver our water by ship to world ports.
The writer deeply researched ocean water desalination in 1985 for a waterfront project on Santa Catalina Island in California. I’m not an expert, yet I have more than basic knowledge. Today, about 300 million people in our world depend upon desalinated potable water.
This is a real opportunity for Sunshine Coast. Please address our water restrictions with a positive approach to resolution.
Robert Taylor, Sechelt
