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LETTER - BC Hydro has an obligation to keep the reservoir full

Dear editor,
18560707_web1_Letter-to-the-ed

Dear editor,

Stephen Watson, BC Hydro spokesperson, put everything in perspective in his “viewpoint” on stage 3 restrictions on the Comox Lake water supply (BC Hydro explains Puntledge maintenance work, Sept. 5). In his last sentence, he refers to the 42,000-plus potable water customers as “others.” Indeed, CVRD water customers use about one per cent of the lake capacity. We are last on the list.

If BC Hydro misjudges inflows, as they did in 2015, and drain the reservoir with power generation, CVRD water customer will be again on Stage 3 restrictions, even with the deep water intake.

We all have an obligation to protect fish, but BC Hydro has an obligation to keep the reservoir full, heading into drought season.

BC Hydro needs to adapt power generation and water consumption to climate change.

This spring, BC Hydro reduced power generation and filled the lake. Thanks for adapting to climate change.

Phil Harrison,

Comox