One of the interesting things about climate change is the increase in precipitation that goes with increasing atmospheric temperatures. It also causes spikes in cold weather events like the "Arctic Vortexes" we saw this past winter.

 While we have drought conditions throughout the southwest and Texas including southwestern Oklahoma, we also have the Gulf moisture which will likely increase the volume of rain when it collides with storm fronts moving in from the southwest and northwest.

 So what does this mean? Oklahoma lakes may insure continued water resources to serve drinking water and fish and wildlife, and recreation. But, not if we waste it each year unnecessarily on hydro-power or other heavy industrial use.

 We must implement increased conservation policies now. It is not enough just to conserve under emergency conditions when our lakes are low. We must also find alternatives to hydro-power which allow the Corps of Engineers to maintain as close to the normal 617 feet water level at Lake Texoma, as possible throughout the year.

 With the spring rains, it is likely that Lake Texoma will rise again. It's what we do with it once it does that matters. According to the Corps of Engineers, Texas electricity consumers spent an additional $5 million in 2013 to pay for alternative sources to reduce their need for Lake Texoma hydro-power. When you consider Lake Texoma's local economy is $200 million in direct benefits, that is a bargain.

 By comparison, how much will the insurance claims for damages to the marinas, plus lost tourism and recreation business be for 2013-14? If Denison Dam hydropower was eliminated, the Corps of Engineers estimated the increased costs for that power from other sources would only be 4%.

 Do our elected officials have the political will to supplement this additional 4% cost so we can conserve Lake Texoma for municipal drinking water, fish and wildlife and recreational uses? And if they don't, what other remedies do we have to enforce water conservation and protect Lake Texoma water?

 Stephen Willis and Robyn King, Kingston, Oklahoma