Considerations in Preserving Reservoir Sites

The preservation of reservoir sites is of concern among public officials, engineers, and planners. Many of the limited number of physically feasible sites are being used for other purposes at an increasing rate. An improved approach is needed to identify, evaluate, and preserve those sites found to be most valuable to the over-all development of a region. Reservoirs are one of the major tools for developing the essential water resources. Water supply and other benefits from them are large elements in the economic advancement of a region. Engineers and officials should not blindly preserve sites; their worth should be evaluated in the context of regional needs. When this is done, there can be a sound and logical program for the preservation of the sites. Effective planning and preservation necessitates that each level of government meet its respective responsibilities. Efforts made at each level of government are briefly reviewed. Alternative means for preservation are outlined, and the actions that various agencies should take are suggested.