Reoperation of Existing Reservoirs to Serve Changing Needs: Observations on Institutional Inertia, Conflict, and Efficiency

by Douglas P. Gillingham, (M.ASCE), Boyle Engineering Corp, San Diego, United States,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Water Policy and Management: Solving the Problems

Abstract:

The 'reoperation' of a reservoir system may in some circumstances provide a non-structural alternative for addressing changing water storage needs resulting from population growth or other factors. The historic tendency of most water agencies, however, has been to shy away from non-structural options and instead seek structural, big-project type solutions to water supply and storage problems. This tendency has been caused by a bias in the engineering profession for building things, and a collateral aversion for dealing with the complex institutional obstacles and negotiations usually associated with non-structural alternatives. Today, these biases and aversions are giving way and the profession is adopting a more open, comprehensive, and efficient planning process. A promising example of reservoir reoperations planning in San Diego County, California, is cited.

Subject Headings: Water storage | Reservoirs | Water supply | Water conservation | Water resources | Engineering profession | Population projection | California | United States

Services: Buy this book/Buy this article

 

Return to search