Use underground aquifers instead

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Mr Hunter of the National Water Commission made a solid point - we are too occupied with surface storage of Kingston's water when underground storage in aquifers works just fine. Aquifers are also cheaper!

I suggest that one reason for the problems with water storage in Kingston is that there is not enough water being stored underground. The natural forests in the Hope and Yallahs watersheds have been cut down for coffee and pine plantations, small farms, etc. (we're all paying for Blue Mountain coffee!).

The unsurprising result has been that very little rainwater is funnelled underground via the forest trees. The rain that falls rushes downhill, taking soil and sediment with it in one flash instead of being slowly released from the groundwater.

So here are my proposals:

1) Let's focus resources on storing our water underground in natural aquifers and start by restoring forests in the Hope and Yallahs watersheds (invest the 'dam' money into replanting and maintenance of forests).

2) All new homes should be equipped to store and use rainwater; old homes should be retrofitted to do the same.

3) Stop using clean, expensive drinking water to flush toilets, water the lawn and wash cars. It's nonsense!

I am, etc.,

KIMBERLY JOHN

Freshwater Ecologist

kimperative@gmail.com