Friday, August 14, 2009

Charlottesville's Water Supply

The debate about the Charlottesville-Albemarle water supply has been going on for at least a year now. I've had a difficult time following the particulars -- in particular which plan (dredging the Rivanna Reservoir versus a new dam at Ragged Mountain) is which more environmentally friendly. I think it might be that the local environmental groups are split as to the relative merits of the two plans - thus my confusion.

At any rate, Bob Fenwick is running as an independent for City Council and is arguing that dredging is the wiser -- and more cost-effective -- alternative. On The Hook's website today (here), Hawes Spencer says that Fenwick is criticizing Dave Norris for not taking more of a leadership role in opposing the new dam.

In the County, Duane Snow initially came out in favor of dredging, but according to Spencer's article he may be reconsidering his position.

Here's a photo of the reservoir from The Hook: