Brad Meiklejohn’s commentary on the Eklutna River restoration issues (ADN, April 5) advocates eliminating the hydropower function of Eklutna Lake. He would substitute other sources of electricity, and remove all impediments to a free-flowing Eklutna Lake-Eklutna River connection.
However, his commentary failed to address the fact that Eklutna Lake presently supplies more than 90% of Anchorage’s drinking water. The delivery of that water relies on some of the Eklutna hydro infrastructure, as well as a large-capacity water pipeline laid down in the Eklutna River channel which, as Meiklejohn noted, has been essentially dry for about 70 years.
It would be helpful to learn what substitute source or other accommodations could be realistically proposed, to meet Anchorage’s essential drinking-water needs.
— T. E. Meacham
Anchorage
Have something on your mind? Send to letters@adn.com or click here to submit via any web browser. Letters under 200 words have the best chance of being published. Writers should disclose any personal or professional connections with the subjects of their letters. Letters are edited for accuracy, clarity and length.