I asked ChatGPT:
The Panama Canal does use ocean water, but it uses it in a controlled and strategic manner. The canal relies on a system of locks to raise and lower ships as they pass through the canal, and freshwater from Gatun Lake is used in these locks.
Using ocean water directly in the locks could lead to several problems:
1. Corrosion: Ocean water is saltwater, which is highly corrosive. Using it directly in the locks could damage the infrastructure and equipment over time.
2. Environmental Impact: The use of ocean water directly in the locks could have a negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem. The introduction of saltwater could harm local flora and fauna.
3. Efficiency: Freshwater from Gatun Lake is a renewable resource, and it’s readily available for use in the locks. Using ocean water would require additional desalination processes and infrastructure, which could be less efficient and more costly.
By using freshwater from Gatun Lake in the locks, the Panama Canal can operate more efficiently and minimize environmental impact while still allowing ships to transit between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
bullShiite reasons
Gatun is obviously not renewable or else there would be no problem.