This path that the past council has blazed might not be the best answer to ever-increasing potential water shortages for Oceanside. I know the storyline of “why waste money that has already been spent in these studies?” As a money or project manager, one has to know when to hold ‘em and when to fold ‘em.
I would suggest there might be a better source and storage for our potable water for all of Oceanside. Yes, it is Cameron Lake. You have an endless supply of pristine water, gravity to deliver it along a right-of-way for the E&N and assurance that Cameron Lake would remain pristine. The water level in the reservoir (Cameron Lake) can be maintained by pumping water from Henderson Lake or another on the west side that has enormous historical rainfalls.
In essence, we could have Henderson and Cameron as one lake at no after construction running costs. The operating cost of moving water over the hump to the east side would be free. This would be accomplished by ram hydraulic pumps, pumps that have proven themselves for centuries with years of hydraulic sluicing for gold.
Do not focus on problems but on the long term prosperity of a secure water system with minimal costs. The Romans did it, why not us?
Bob TritschlerParksville
