Conservation Element - Calaveras County Government Services

Water RightsIn most cases, the water suppliers in Calaveras County have sufficient water rights to meetexpected requirements in the County. The more immediate problem is the generation of capitalto develop the storage and distribution facilities needed to use the water.GENERAL PLAN RECOMMENDATIONSGoal IV-9: Preserve the County's current water rights and additional water rights necessary tosupport the County's full development potential.Policy IV-9A: Support the development of water projects in the County for domestic andirrigation purposes.Implementation measure IV-9A-1: Pursue available funding sources for thedevelopment of water projects in the County.Goal IV-10: Provide for adequate domestic water supplies.Policy IV-10A: Encourage continued cooperation among water suppliers in meeting thewater needs for the County as a whole.Implementation Measure IV-10A-1: Achieve orderly expansion of water districtsin the County through Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) review.7.0 ENERGY SYSTEMThe energy system in Calaveras County is a complex system not only dependent on localresources but also upon state, national, and international resources.Fossil fuels (oil, natural gas, and coal), which supply most of the world's current energyuse, are now realized to be finite and virtually non-renewable.The County's energy system operating today relies heavily upon imported fossil fuelswhich in time will become even more scarce and ever increasing in cost.One solution to energy supply problem rests in making a "transition" to a more efficientenergy system plus one that relies on alternative energy sources. Significant energy and dollarscan be saved through various conservation measures. Additionally, Calaveras County is fortunateto have an abundance of alternative energy sources. The combined potential of indigenous energysources such as hydro, solar, wind, and biomass exceeds current and projected energy needs forthe County's future.Conversion FactorsEnergy is measured in British Thermal Units (BTU's). One BTU represents the quantityof heat required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Farenheit. Forcomparison purposes, the following conversion factors are provided:Calaveras County General Plan z December 9, 1996 z Page IV-26