Could a Water Pipeline be the Remedy for the Dry West?

As desperation grows to remedy drought conditions in the dried-out Western U.S., some are eyeing the floodwaters stemming from the Mississippi River. So much so a proposal involving pumping water from the mighty Mississippi to Western states has surfaced. Such a feat would be possible thanks to studies and modern-day engineering, but it would require decades of construction and billions of dollars. However, perhaps the most significant obstacle would be the politics at play for any multi-state pipeline.

Formal large-scale water importation proposals have existed since the 1960s, but most fizzle before coming to fruition. But An Arizona State University professor says the proposed pipeline solution should be viewed as a last-case resort; only after extensive efforts have been placed on less costly and more feasible options like simply reducing water use.

Read more on water pipelines that mitigate drought conditions here.