Water News
December 18, 2006
Water - The Link in Our Life
The greatest reminder of the vital importance of living water was the recent birth of a grand daughter, Anora Han Qiu, and the birth of two grand nieces. I was refreshed by time in New Hampshire with my family as we dove into Squam Lake and walks on the beaches of Los Angeles with old friends. Everywhere people are thinking more and more about water! The greatest hope is the number of young people I am meeting who know what to do, are passionate, and determined, yet patient. They were the voters who said “Enough! Let’s get this right!”. Like water which links all of us, relationships are the link in my life.
Imagine a green Los Angeles. Imagine that a city which has destroyed 94% of its rivers is choosing to bring them back. Imagine parks and greenways that are integral to the water system. It isn’t happening yet, but it could! Last month on November 14th, I led a workshop for sixty five people from community groups and government agencies who are working in Los Angeles on the Ballona Creek watershed. They were a disparate, yet passionate, group and included people who are involved in the coastal wetlands, artists, river watchers and those who want bike trails.
The workshop was designed to assist individuals and groups to take the next step. Many light bulbs went on as I talked about how I came to understand what I call an integrated water systems sustainable plan. What is the foundation which links all of us? It is the watershed. With such a plan, the best biological and bio-engineering solutions for the restoration and preservation of the watershed can be selected and a green plan developed which is integral to the water systems. Then it becomes possible to provide the economic analysis and social benefits of day-lighting creeks, removing the concrete and greening the rivers, utilizing parks as full participants in the systems, and much more. It is time we choose real solutions and not the face lift that adds another layer of difficulties for the next generation.
Questions abounded. Can nature really clean water? Can we take the concrete off and plant the banks so they will not erode? Places that have done this know that there are multiple benefits such as improved water quality, enhanced bio-diversity and increased recreational opportunities. Los Angeles is not an exception although it has become the world model of concrete, pipe and pumps. Although few cities in the U.S. have sufficient water plans, more are now beginning to develop them. In the next few years, we hope that water will become the foundation of the planning process.
This was a pivotal moment, heading them toward a sustainable green solution or adding more superficial solutions to their vast water quality/quantity challenges. Water and urban water systems are big business. Who would run a business without a cost effective approach to planning? Creating an integrated sustainable plan is a strategic map to conserve the region’s water and all the systems within the water supply. This ensures that the eco-system survives by the most sustainable and economic means. Through this process, we discover which combination of solutions is most cost effective and supportable for our regions.
Building our relationships is key in finding solutions. Keepers of the Waters is based in relationships. We are creating a network of people involved in various projects around the globe and assisting others to start their own. It is hopeful and fun and my work continues. In Chengdu, China, as consultant to Chengdu Urban River Association, I will be organizing the clean up of a local watershed. First there will be training with bio-engineer Mark Van Zummeran to analyze the watershed and then a week long training session. Near Mt. Shasta, California I am working with Angelina Cook to organize her community to stop Nestle Corporation from buying the source of the Sacramento River. I will also be studying village water conservation practices in the Tibetan villages of the Sichuan Mountains next summer and continue to create living water systems for a sustainable world. We are all working together.
- Betsy Damon
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Update from China, September 15th
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Great news from Keepers of the Waters and Betsy
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News and Projects
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We Could Have Such a Beautiful World
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Project Updates
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Betsy in China
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Water Exploratoriums in Oregon, Public Art in Beijing
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Volunteer Opportunities in China
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New Keepers of the Waters Online Network up!
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Edwards Aquifer Park Design
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Water and Art Exploratorium at elementary school
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News from China
