Water management requires vigilance
By By Sen Arthur Orr, Guest Columnist
Unusual meetings have been occurring in Decatur over the past several weeks. Interested parties from all over the state have been gathering for legislative subcommittee hearings to discuss water issues in Alabama. This subcommittee, which I chair, is part of the Joint Legislative Committee for Water Policy and Management. The drought of 2007 was a warning for not only those of us who reside in the Tennessee Valley but also the entire state of Alabama.
Fortunately, other legislators also see the need for being prepared for a future drought by making prudent policy decisions today.
Water is that uniquely indispensable substance that we regrettably take for granted until it becomes scarce. As such, the legislative committee is looking at all facets of water — underground, surface and rainwater — in order to wisely provide for current and future needs concerning the conservation, quality and use of water. In Alabama, water usage covers numerous areas-biological, transportation, agricultural, industrial and recreational among others. For those of us residing in the Tennessee Valley, each of these uses can be traced back to the primary water source with which our area is blessed – the Tennessee River. From providing abundant drinking water to cooling the reactors at Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant to turning the turbines at Guntersville, Wheeler and Wilson Dams to taking our industry’s products to the world, our River touches each of us on a daily basis.
We know that as this area grows, there will be more demands placed on our water supply.
Representatives from the Birmingham Water Works mentioned at a committee meeting that they are exploring taking water from the Tennessee River to serve the Birmingham metropolitan area. Georgia has also threatened to move its boundary with Tennessee so that it might also access the Tennessee River. Georgia, Florida and Alabama continue to battle in the courtroom regarding the water rights of each state. The outcome of this high stakes litigation has the potential to significantly impact – either positively or negatively – the future development of our state.
As a freshman legislator representing the Tennessee Valley area, it seemed to me that my involvement in any water discussion was important to our area. If we north Alabamians are not involved and engaged in meetings, discussions and decisions, we may very well be saddled for years to come with water policies that can hamstring our region’s growth and quality of life. Thanks to the wise counsel of my predecessor, Sen. Tommy Ed Roberts, I requested and secured a gubernatorial appointment to the TVA advisory board regarding water resources.
Governor Riley also appointed me to the State Water Resources Commission. Being a member of the Joint Legislative Committee will further ensure that the Tennessee Valley’s voice is heard when it comes to critical issues related to water.
The recent gasoline shortages that this area experienced would pale when compared to the difficulties we would encounter if water in this area was ever in short supply. Imagine rationing of drinking water, barges not able to get goods to and from market, skyrocketing electricity rates as Brown’s Ferry could not cool its reactors or the dams produce much hydroelectric power, and farmers not able to irrigate their fields or water their livestock.
In sum, the issue of the future of water policy in Alabama, and particularly for the Tennessee Valley, is much greater than our front lawns and home water taps. We must be both vigilant to address the next drought and prepared for increased competition for this most precious resource in the years ahead.
