On December 12, 2012 a report called the Colorado River Basin Water Supply and Demand Study was released by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and seven western states--Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming. The study is intended to examine how more water could be provided to these western states, which have growing populations and limited water resources.
One of the options discussed in the study is the importation of water from other parts of the United States. For example, to provide more water to the Colorado River basin, it is proposed that a pipeline or pipelines, some 700 miles long, be constructed to import water from the Missouri River. The report estimates that the capital cost would be $8.6 billion and it would take 30 years to complete. An alternative is given to take water from the Mississippi River.
The study also discusses the possible importation to the Green River from the Bear, Snake and Yellowstone Rivers in Wyoming. In addition, the report reviews importation to Southern California from the Columbia River, icebergs hauled by tugboats from Alaska, and tankers hauling water from Alaskan rivers. (See usbr.gov)
The study does recognize that importation of source water is not without permitting, legal and policy issues. Moving water from one basin across the country to another basin, of course, likely will raise concerns--particularly in the case of the Missouri River, which is a major tributary of the Mississippi. The Missouri provides a source of drinking water, irrigation water and hydro-power in six states. With the current drought conditions in several midwestern states, there already is concern about the continued viability of these water uses as well as navigation on the Mississippi.
Discussion of such importation options raises broader questions, as well. Could the federal government propose importation pipelines from the Great Lakes, such as Lake Michigan, already the source of drinking water for millions? Or, could some agency develop a well farm in the midwest or east mining water from one of the major aquifers and piping the water to a western basin?
Moving water resources from one basin to another-the redistribution of water assets-would seem to have obvious consequences for the rivers, lakes and aquifers from which water would be taken. All of these sources themselves have limitations. And they have dedicated present uses in their areas. To deplete a basin or source already committed to uses for the benefit of another basin and its uses would seem problematic. Thus, the study also discusses such alternatives as water conservation, reuse, etc.
Perhaps one very important conclusion coming out of this study is that every person in this country has the important responsibility of protecting our limited and essential water resources, no matter where that person resides and where that resource may be.
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