Los Angeles herald., 1905-10-29
OWENS RIVER WATER "BY- PRODUCT"

There is nothing new in the idea which has Just
taken the form of tentative proposition that the value
of the Owens river water for electric purposes alone
is sufficient to pay the of the aqueduct leading to
Los Angeles 1t is quite probable, also, that 1t would
be good investment for corporation to build the
aqueduct and maintain it in exchange for the temporary
of the water for generating electricity. All this
has been pondered by the city officials and by citizens
who acquainted with the situation. The useful
of the water for power and lighting purposes has
been regarded from the first mention Of the Owens
river water project tremendously valuable asset
That value for such purposes equal the cost of
the aqueduct approximating O00 is not sur
prsing.
The main question to be considered is whether it
would be better for the city handle the electric propo
sition itself to farm it OUT suggested to big
corporation. 1t is roughly estimated that the lighting
and power privilege would yield a yearly revenue OF
81 800 00O That is equivalent to per cent the
sumed cost of the aqueduct. Probably net income
equal to cent could be relied upon at an early
stage of the service with assurance of larger re-
the business and population of Los Angeles
increase
1t is desirable that all citizens give this subject
consideration In such consideration the first
thought that apt strike the average person relates
to the possible effect upon the water of its for cleo
trio generation. There is effect whatever, as is
shown by experience In Santa Ana canyon, eighty
miles from Los Angeles, electric power has been gen.
last eight years The same water used for that pur
pose supplies many towns and large area in the
choicest part of the orange belt 1t is only the dynamic
energy of the water in falling from height that is
utilized for electric purposes and there be no in
furious effect upon the water.
This immense value III what may be called "by
product" of the Owens river water will be utilized Of
Shall the city undertake the operation of an
electric plant of such magnitude will be requisite,
in addition to the operation of it's water system,
will pay all expenses of conducting the water to the
city?
If the farming out" plan be adopted the city would
itself the investment of $20OO0O0O for the cost
of aqueduct construction The city also would be re-
leved of all expense and trouble incident to the main
tenance of the plant The operating the cleo
trio feature would practically stand all the cost Of the
citys supply from Owens river in exchange for
the electric "by-product"
On the other hand, the corporation in control of the
power would be largely in command of certain public
utilities. And if there is money in it for private
corporation why should not the city itself have that
profit? Granted that the farming out of the power
would annually $50O0OO to the private corporation
That of money going into the city treasury would in
fifteen years repay the citys investment of $20000000
and keep the city in control.
1t is highly important proposition and it should be
considered all its aspects before taking any decisive
step.