When is it best to make a compensation release?

One proposed measure is to make compensation releases of fresh water from upstream dams. Given that only a very limited quantity of such water would be available, what would be the best strategy?

Basically there are two opposing ideas.

1. You should release water to maintain the lake level to prevent influx of salt from the sea.
2. You should release water to flush salt out of the system.

• Preventing influx of salt.
• Flushing salt in the summer months