East to West – Water Pipeline of America – Colorado-Mississippi Pipeline: Restoring Life to the Colorado River Estuary

The water pipeline of America will revive the Colorado River Estuary: Safeguarding the Cocopah (kwapa) Indian Tribe’s Way of Life

In the past, the Colorado River estuary was a sanctuary for the thriving Cocopah Indian tribe, and a haven for a lush forest teeming with wild plants, trees, and animals. The Cocopah people found sustenance and livelihood in the waters of the estuary, where the brackish environment supported a rich diversity of marine life. Boats gracefully navigated the mouth of the Colorado River, forging a connection between the land and the sea within the verdant embrace of the forested estuary.

The Colorado River Estuary has experienced a profound loss of its once abundant freshwater flow, leading to the destruction of the delta wetlands, which now only occupy a mere 5% of their former extent. This ongoing degradation has resulted in the disappearance of the native cottonwood and willow forests, leaving behind a devastated landscape. Astonishingly, more than 95% of the estuary’s former prosperity has been destroyed, yet this alarming situation remains largely unnoticed by the government and the media.

The rising water consumption from the Colorado River has significantly depleted its flow, preventing the water from reaching the Sea of Cortez. As a consequence, the once thriving estuary in Baja California, Mexico, has undergone a drastic transformation, with much of it now dried up. This estuary holds great significance as it represents the meeting point where the Colorado River merges with the sea. Unfortunately, due to the scarcity of water from the Colorado River, aside from intermittent flooding, the essential brackish water required to sustain the diverse fish species that once thrived in the estuary has vanished.

The journey of the Colorado River begins at La Poudre Pass Lake, situated on the western side of Rocky Mountain National Park. This pristine lake marks the precise origin of the Colorado River, symbolizing the beginning of its remarkable journey. The river then passes through notable landmarks such as Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam) and Lake Mead (Hoover Dam) before reaching Morelos Dam in Mexico. Traditionally, the river would continue from here to the estuary in Baja Mexico. However, unless there are flood events, the riverbed below Morelos Dam, forming the western boundary of the West Reservation, remains dry.

When viewing the estuary on google map (earth), one can witness the stark transformation of the once lush and green delta into a desolate salt flat. The silence from Mexico regarding this environmental crisis raises questions. Proper water management is essential to ensure the continuous progress of America.

The Cocopah (Kwapa) Indians, who relied on farming and fishing in this region, can no longer sustain their traditional way of life as the encroaching desert takes over. The disappearance of the once thriving wetlands has resulted in the migration of most tribe members, with less than 200 remaining in the area. Without intervention, their rich cultural heritage and presence may vanish within a few short years. The construction of water pipelines offers a glimmer of hope. Before the construction of the 9 dams that hold back the water of the Colorado river, boats from the Sea of Cortez freely sailed up to the mouth of the Colorado River.

By implementing sustainable water management practices and reestablishing the abundant flow of fresh water from the Colorado River to meet the saline waters of the Sea of Cortez, the fishing industry and local communities in the area can once again thrive. This project is not a zero-sum game; it benefits the entire United States of America while also bringing advantages to Mexico, particularly the states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, and Sonora. Furthermore, it promises the revival of the ecological balance within the estuary. Embracing this endeavor represents a path of universal stewardship, safeguarding the precious resources we all depend on.

Water Pipeline of America
The water pipelines extending from the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa, will establish a connection to the headwaters of the Colorado River, located at the Rocky Mountain National Park, specifically into the La Poudre Pass Lake.
To help prevent flooding of the great Missouri river and the Big Sioux River a pipeline intake near Sioux City where the two great rivers meet, can run down to connect to the pipeline coming from Davenport as it passes through.

Tributaries of the great Colorado River

  • The green river is the biggest tributary of the colorado river. It is 730 miles long and it starts in the state of Wyoming, meanders through a small part of No. Western Colorado then back to Utah and finally merges with the great Colorado river at the Canyon Lands Park, Utah.
  • Gila River – Flows from New Mexico and empties in Yuma, Arizona into the Colorado river. Due to irrigation and other water use the Gila river only empties less than 14% of its water into the Colorado river.
  • San Juan River – Originates from New Mexico and Colorado. It flows west and empties out into Lake Powell (Utah-Colorado).
  • Gunnison River – Entirely in Western Colorado. It empties entirely into the Colorado river at Grand Junction.
  • Colorado-Mississippi Pipeline: Consumption of water increases yearly in California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico. The flow of the Colorado river can’t sustain it anymore. A man made tributary must be added. It will be the east to west water pipeline (Colorado-Mississippi Pipeline).

Colorado-Mississippi Pipeline: East to West Water Pipeline. Prevents flooding and drought, it saves lives, and it helps build the economy

President Donald Trump said in his state of the union address last Tuesday, January 30, 2018: “Together, we can reclaim our building heritage. We will build gleaming new roads, bridges, highways, railways, and waterways across our land. And we will do it with American heart, American hands, and American grit.”

In 2015 former President Obama said: “While no single drought event can be traced solely to climate change, the fact of the matter is with a warming climate we’re going to see more frequent and more severe droughts in the West in the future. That’s one of the reasons my administration has been focused on helping communities prepare for the effects of climate change.”

Ever since flooding and drought became an issue in the U.S.A., every single president had something to say about the problem but not a single president has done anything about it.

In order for life to prosper, water is needed. Water is a source of life.

Build the East to West Water Pipeline

To address the challenges of flooding in the eastern states and drought in the west, a proposed solution is to construct an East to West water pipeline connecting the Mississippi River to the headwaters of the Colorado River. This pipeline aims to alleviate the suffering of drought-stricken states in the west, provide reliable water supply to farmers in western America, and revitalize the estuary. By reducing the dependence on unpredictable rainfall and mitigating the impact of flooding in the mid-west flood zones, this pipeline would greatly benefit both agricultural and residential communities.

One of the key advantages of the water pipeline is its potential to create job opportunities, contributing to local economies. While the pipeline may have some minor environmental concerns such as occasional leaks, the overall impact is expected to be minimal, focusing primarily on transporting water without hazardous substances. Moreover, the pipeline can positively influence wildlife habitats, ensuring the preservation of ecosystems along its route.

The Colorado River and its tributaries currently play a vital role in providing irrigation water to approximately 6 million acres of farmland across seven basin states, including Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, California, Nevada, and Arizona. Additionally, over 40 million people depend on the Colorado River for their survival and water needs.

California, known for its significant agricultural production, faces challenges related to water scarcity. The depletion of the Sacramento River and San Joaquin River, along with the increasing salinity of the San Francisco Bay, are pressing concerns. The construction of the water pipeline could help alleviate the strain on these water sources, revitalize the estuary, and reduce reliance on the Colorado River for irrigation purposes.

It is important to note that the distribution of Colorado River water is primarily managed by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, which plays a significant role in ensuring equitable water allocation and resource management.

As the Colorado river flows through Nevada, most of it’s water is contained in Lake Mead and Lake Powell.
Lake Mead located in (Mohave County, Arizona and Clark County, Nevada) is the largest artificial lake in the United States. The full pool of Lake Mead is at 1,229 feet.  According to new data from Lakes Online, as of July 28, 2022 at 4 a.m local time, Lake Mead had fallen to 1,040 feet. The hoover dam depends on the water level of lake mead. The water level of lake mead has been gradually depleted. If the water level goes below 950 feet, Hoover dam’s turbines will stop turning and production of electricity will stop. The reservoir stores water for parts of Arizona, Southern California, southern Nevada and northern Mexico — all of which have endured a 15-year drought.

Lake Powell is on the Colorado River and straddles the states of Utah and Arizona. It is facing the same problem as Lake Mead. Water levels are pitifully low.

The proposed construction of the Colorado-Mississippi water pipelines ensures the perpetual water supply to Lake Mead and Lake Powell, maintaining their water levels consistently. This water security will have far-reaching benefits, particularly in the fertile regions of California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, where agricultural production will flourish. These states will not only be able to meet the food demands of the nation but also generate surplus for export to other countries. Furthermore, the water pipelines will guarantee a continued water supply to the Morelos Dam in Mexico and sustain the flow of the Colorado River to the estuary, thus supporting the survival of species of fish and promoting the regrowth of the estuary’s forest. By fulfilling these objectives, the urgent implementation of the Colorado-Mississippi water pipelines is imperative, as it serves as a comprehensive solution that benefits ecosystems, agriculture, and regional economies.

The sustainability of Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam), Lake Mead (Hoover Dam), Lake Havasu (Parker Dam), and the Morelos Dam in Mexico heavily relies on the unpredictable factors of rain, snow, and the flow of the Colorado River. The recurring cycle of drought exacerbates the challenges faced by these reservoirs, while water consumption continually rises.

Devastating flooding disasters occur annually in central and eastern United States, resulting in tragic loss of lives. The value of human lives is immeasurable, and it is crucial to take proactive measures to mitigate these flooding risks. By implementing the proposed pipelines, excess water can be efficiently diverted, helping prevent avoidable flooding incidents and safeguarding precious lives.

IMMEDIATE BENEFITS FROM THE WATER PIPELINE:

✅ Lake Mead will always be full.
✅ Lake Powell will always be full.
✅ Hoover dam will never be at risk of running out of power.
✅ Glen Canyon dam will never be at risk of running out of power.
✅ Morelos dam (in Mexico) will never be at risk of running out of water to irrigate the Mexicali Valley and other areas of Baja California, Mexico
✅ The Sea of Cortez estuary will flourish as it has flourished prior to the construction of the hoover dam. Since the construction of the hoover dam, the salinity of the sea of cortez has risen and many wildlife at the estuary can’t be found anymore. There isn’t enough water to sustain the wildlife.
✅ The vegetable and fruit growers of Southern California can flourish and expand without worry of water supply.
✅ Farming can flourish in Utah, Southern Nevada, Southwestern Arizona and western New Mexico. The desert can be easily irrigated.
✅ Farming can flourish in Baja Califonia, Mexico north of the estuary.
✅ The fishing industry in the delta will flourish.

The pipeline will start in Davenport, Iowa – 580 feet above sea level

Davenport, Iowa is a flood zone. Flooding in Davenport, Iowa cost lives and millions of dollars to the government and private industry. Building the water pipeline will eliminate the flooding in Davenport, Iowa and other counties and states as the Mississippi flows to the sea.

Only excess water will be drained from the Mississippi river. So the the mouth of the pipes will be sealed and only opened when waters are predicted to reach flood levels. Pumping can start to prevent flooding. The Mississippi river floods every year. Sometimes the flooding is excessive and causes severe damages and casualties to livestock and human lives. This can all be prevented with the diversion water pipelines.

Mississippi flooding Arkansas City
The Mississippi river flood over flowed the river banks and drowned the city of Arkansas in 1927

The water pipeline will be approximately 868 miles long. At 5,280 feet per mile the pipe line will be about 4,583,040 feet long. The average current cost (2019) of a “36 inch x 20 Foot Corrugated N-12 Pipe” is $14,000.00. The pipeline will need about 229,152 pipes at an approximate cost of $3,208,128,000.00 billion dollars. Using concrete pipes will be much cheaper. About a third of the price. The pipeline will need two of these lines. This will bring up the cost of the pipes to $6,416,256,000.00.

Pumping the water

The proposed water pipeline system incorporates proven technological methods, including advanced centrifugal pump stations powered by vertical wind turbines, to efficiently transport water from the Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa (with an elevation of 580 ft above sea level), to its final destination at La Poudre Pass Lake, Colorado, situated at an impressive elevation of 10,174 feet above sea level.

In order for the water to reach that height, it must be pumped up 9,594 feet during its journey. It is important to note that this journey entails navigating diverse terrains, encompassing hills, mountains, and valleys, resulting in an intricate and dynamic ascent and descent rather than a straightforward elevation change from the starting point.

These pump stations will be strategically installed every 2 miles along the pipeline route to efficiently pump the water to higher elevations. Not only will these vertical wind turbines generate electricity, but the excess electricity generated when the pumps are not in use can be sold back to the grid, creating additional revenue for maintenance and operational costs. The use of centrifugal pumps eliminates the need for plunger type pumps, streamlining the system and maximizing efficiency.

One key aspect of the pipeline design is the utilization of potential energy resulting from the varying elevations along the pipeline route. As the water flows downhill due to gravity, it gains kinetic energy while descending to lower levels before surging back up again. This natural phenomenon, known as potential energy, helps power the centrifugal pumps. By harnessing the inherent potential energy of the system, the pumps effectively utilize gravity and inertia to propel the water to higher elevations, overcoming the ups and downs of the terrain.

While the construction cost, legal fees, and other expenses associated with the project may be substantial, the long-term benefits far outweigh the investment. The implementation of the water pipeline system not only reduces the costs of disaster response and flood mitigation in the eastern states but also has the potential to generate billions of dollars annually for the states of California, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and even Mexico through increased farming profits and water availability.

By integrating advanced technology, leveraging potential energy, and ensuring sustainable water management practices, the Colorado-Mississippi water pipeline system emerges as a comprehensive solution to address water scarcity, mitigate flooding risks, and promote economic growth and environmental sustainability. Its construction represents a significant opportunity to transform water resource management, create job opportunities, and secure a reliable water supply for generations to come.

Usa pipelines.jpg
Thousands of miles in OIL, NATURAL GAS, GASOLINE & PROPANE pipelines crisscross the United States. Quietly the energy corporations are building these pipelines with risks to the environment. Yet we seldom hear about it. Above is the layout of the Oil, Natural Gas, Gasoline and Propane pipelines. The proposed water pipeline is only approximately 868 miles long and environmentally friendly. This project is a must.

The water pipeline ends at the head waters of the Colorado river @ (La Poudre Pass Lake) with an elevation of 10,174 feet.

The water pipe delivery systems ends at La Poudre Pass Lake

The water from the Mississippi River will be directed to La Poudre Pass Lake, where it will be deposited. From there, the water will continue its journey, flowing into the Colorado River.

Notes: Lake Mead’s water level and threat to the power production of Hoover Dam

  • WATER LEVEL is at 1,049.53 feet as of Monday, May 23, 2022. It is 179.47 feet below full pool of 1,229.00
  • According to new data from Lakes Online, as of July 28, 2022 at 4 a.m local time, Lake Mead had fallen to 1,040 feet. The hoover dam depends on the water level of lake mead. The water level of lake mead has been gradually depleted. If the water level goes below 950 feet, Hoover dam’s turbines will stop turning and production of electricity will stop.
  • An ongoing struggle between two communities less than a mile apart illustrates the challenges California faces as it tries to deliver clean, affordable drinking water to more than 1 million residents without access to what the state has called a “basic human right.” Read the article on the fresno bee>>>>
  • February 18, 2020: Mississippians had been braced for historic floods after days of heavy downpours. When the Pearl River crested in Jackson on Monday, the water was 8 feet above flood stage >>>> Read more

These pictures were taken last August 19, 2021 at Hoover Dam. Lake Mead has receded at least 40 feet over the last 15 years. Even if the weather gets back to normal and the flow of the colorado river is back to “normal”, Lake Powel and Lake Mead will never attain the level it had when Hoover Dam and Glen Canyon Dam were just built.

The increased water demand from all the states that depend on the colorado river prevents the lake from getting full again.

The only permanent solution is the water pipeline.

There are nine dams that hold back the water of the Colorado river before it dries out and never meets the sea of Cortez.

  1. Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam) – The dam is inside the northern border of Colorado. Most of Lake Powell is in the state of Utah.
  2. Lake mead (hoover dam), NV
  3. Lake Mohave (Davis dam), NV/AZ
  4. Lake Havasu (Parker Dam), Lake Havasu City, AZ – This dam by contract stays full at all times because it feeds Southern California.
  5. Lake Moovalya (Headgate Rock dam)
  6. Colorado River (Palo Verde Dam diversion dam), La Paz County, AZ
  7. Senator Washington Dam/Imperial Dam
  8. Laguna Dam in AZ
  9. Morelos Dam in Mexico: The Colorado river stops here. If the management decides to release some water, then a little will flow towards the old estuary. But it never makes it to the sea of Cortez.

Below is a gallery of the 9 dams that hold back the waters of the Colorado river until there is none left for the estuary at the sea of cortez.

Every year more water is sucked out, much more than nature will ever be able to provide without the help of the water pipeline.

Ongoing Congressional Plan

  • Public Law No: 116-14 (04/16/2019): H.R.2030 – Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act
    • It’s a promise to do something about it. At least up to now the plan is not made available to public to read or even to come up with suggestions.

From the headwaters of the Colorado river, the water will flow naturally down to Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam)  and Lake mead (Hoover Dam), down to Morelos dam in mexico and to finally empty out at the estuary of Baja Mexico
Baja mexico estuary.jpg
google map of the estuary at baja mexico. The once lush and green delta is now basically a salt flat. Why is Mexico quiet about this? Water management will guarantee the continued progress of America.

Rice Production – Be the Rice producer for the world

The desserts of New Mexico, Arizona and Nevada can be utilized to produce rice. The water pipeline will constantly keep the Lake Mead and Lake Powell full therefore enabling agricultural irrigation for the states of Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico to produce rice. Even the 3 desert states of  Mexico; Sonora, Baja California North and  Baja California South can flourish from these water pipelines. Specially the Estuary of the colorado river.

Where does all that water from the Colorado river go?

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the Colorado River is a critical resource of water to seven states in the Colorado River basin, with an average annual volume of approximately 16.5 million acre-feet. The 7 states that comprise the Colorado River basin are Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California. Each state has legal entitlements and water allocations based on established agreements.

  • Clarification: It’s crucial to understand that the Colorado River does not flow directly into Wyoming. However, Wyoming is home to the Green River, which holds the distinction of being the largest tributary of the Colorado River. The Green River flows through Wyoming and eventually merges with the Colorado River. The Green river supplies water to the Colorado river.

    Wyoming, being a member of the states in the Colorado River basin, is acknowledged by the government as having a stake in the resources of the Colorado River. As a result, the state is labeled as “using” water from the Colorado River, although it primarily relies on its own water supply from the Green River. The water of the Colorado river is not utilized by Wyoming. There isn’t even a single water pipeline from the Colorado river into Wyoming.

    However, the presentation of the information from the government can create a misconception that Wyoming directly uses water from the main Colorado River itself. Wyoming contributes water to the Colorado River and does not consume any of it.

As the Colorado River continues downstream, it reaches Lake Powell, a reservoir situated primarily in Utah and extending into Arizona. Along its course, the river is regulated by dams, including Lake Powell and Lake Mead. These dams release water to maintain downstream reservoirs and meet the water needs of various regions. The management of water releases is carefully controlled to ensure a balance between water supply, hydroelectric power generation, and meeting the water rights and allocations of the states and entities dependent on the Colorado River’s water resources.

List of 9 Dams

  1. Lake Powell (Glen Canyon Dam) – Located in Utah and Arizona.
  2. Lake Mead (Hoover Dam) – Located in Nevada and Arizona.
  3. Lake Mohave (Davis Dam) – Located in Nevada and Arizona.
  4. Lake Havasu (Parker Dam), Lake Havasu City, AZ
  5. Lake Moovalya (Headgate Rock dam) – Located in Arizona
  6. Colorado River (Palo Verde Dam diversion dam), La Paz County, AZ
  7. Senator Washington Dam/Imperial Dam – Located in CA & AZ
  8. Laguna Dam in AZ
  9. Morelos Dam in Mexico: The Morelos Dam is the final dam on the Colorado River. The eastern half of the dam is inside the U.S.A. (Yuma County, Arizona). Mexico is responsible for all its maintenance. The dam is mainly used to distribute water for irrigation.

Lake Powell and Lake Mead play a vital role in water management, ensuring a consistent release of water regardless of drought conditions. Below Lake Mead, there are several other reservoirs that require a steady water supply. One significant recipient is the Colorado River Aqueduct, which originates at Parker Dam on Lake Havasu. This extensive aqueduct spans 242 miles, transporting over 1.2 million acre-feet of water annually to the Gene Pumping Plant, which is located near Whitsett Intake in San Bernardino County, Southern California.

Lake Havasu spans an area of 30.16 square miles and has a depth of 90 feet, allowing it to store approximately 648,000 acre-feet or around 211 billion gallons of water. While this is a significant volume, it falls short of meeting the annual water demand of Southern California. However, it is worth noting that Lake Havasu is carefully managed to ensure it never falls below 96% of its full capacity.

The “Metropolitan Water District of Southern California“, in accordance with its mandate, oversees water distribution in the region. California’s consumption exceeds twice the capacity of Lake Havasu each year, highlighting the reliance on additional water sources to meet the region’s needs. This necessitates the utilization of water from various reservoirs and the implementation of comprehensive water management strategies to sustain the water supply in Southern California.

  • 1.2 million acre-feet of water = 391,021,130,000 gallons of water

Suggested Solutions to the Colorado River Water Supply problem

  • Water Pipeline of America – Colorado-Mississippi Pipeline: Restoring Life to the Colorado River Estuary
  • Representatives of seven states, water agencies and tribes have been discussing options for reducing water use to prevent the reservoirs from dropping toward dangerously low levels. It is all about water conservation.
    • “Every sector in every state has a responsibility to ensure that water is used with maximum efficiency. In order to avoid a catastrophic collapse of the Colorado River System and a future of uncertainty and conflict, water use in the Basin must be reduced,” said Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Tanya Trujillo. “The Interior Department is employing prompt and responsive actions and investments to ensure the entire Colorado River Basin can function and support all who rely on it. We are grateful for the hardworking public servants who have dedicated their lives to this work, and who are passionate about the long-term sustainability of Basin states, Tribes, and communities.”
    • These strategies involve using less water, improving infrastructure, taking care of forests, using natural areas to prevent floods and clean water, storing water better, and making rivers and streams healthier.
  • Desalination plants in California, through the use of innovative technology, extract salt and impurities from seawater, providing a valuable source of freshwater. These plants help address water scarcity and reduce reliance on the Colorado river.

    To manage the byproduct of desalination, a sustainable approach involves utilizing solar-powered barges. These barges harness the power of the sun to transport and disperse the concentrated brine in the ocean. By using renewable energy, the barges operate in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

    This method aims to promote the natural dilution and diffusion of the brine in the ocean, minimizing its impact on marine ecosystems. The solar-powered barges offer a sustainable solution for the responsible disposal of the brine byproduct, contributing to the overall environmental sustainability of desalination processes.

    • Desalination plants have the potential to play a significant role in California’s water management strategies, particularly in relation to the Colorado River. As the largest consumer of Colorado River water, California heavily relies on the water supplied through Lake Havasu at Parker Dam, which spans an extensive aqueduct of over 242 miles into Southern California. By implementing desalination plants, the demand for Colorado River water could decrease, potentially alleviating the strain on this vital water source.
      • Diversification of Water Sources: Desalination plants can diversify California’s water sources by providing an alternative to solely relying on the Colorado River. By tapping into the abundant supply of seawater, these plants can produce fresh water through the desalination process, reducing the state’s dependence on the Colorado River’s limited resources.

      • Reducing the Strain on the Colorado River: With the implementation of desalination plants, the demand for Colorado River water can diminish significantly. By utilizing desalinated water for non-potable purposes such as industrial processes, irrigation, and landscaping, California can relieve pressure on the Colorado River, allowing more water to remain in the system to support other states and ecosystems downstream.

      • Mitigating the Impact of Drought: California frequently faces drought conditions, exacerbating the strain on the Colorado River. Desalination plants can provide a reliable source of water during drought periods when the availability of freshwater from traditional sources is limited. By reducing dependence on the Colorado River, California can ensure a more sustainable water supply, even in times of prolonged drought.

      • Enhancing Water Security: The implementation of desalination plants offers an opportunity to enhance water security for California. By reducing reliance on a single water source, such as the Colorado River, the state can mitigate the risks associated with potential disruptions, such as water scarcity, legal disputes, or environmental factors. Desalination plants can provide a local, resilient water supply, enhancing California’s overall water security.

      • By harnessing the abundant solar resources in California to power desalination plants, the state can capitalize on a clean and renewable energy source. Solar energy eliminates the concerns associated with greenhouse gas emissions, offering an environmentally friendly solution for freshwater production. By integrating solar power and potentially incorporating energy storage systems, such as batteries, California can ensure a reliable and continuous power supply for desalination, even during periods of low solar radiation or at night. This approach aligns with California’s commitment to transitioning towards a sustainable future powered by renewable energy.

    • In pursuit of a sustainable water management strategy, the states of Nevada and California have the opportunity to collaborate on a significant project. By constructing a dedicated desalination plant exclusively to supply water to Southern Nevada counties, the demand for water from Nevada’s allocation of the Colorado River can be reduced. This collaborative effort holds the potential to alleviate strain on the Colorado River while ensuring a more reliable water supply for Southern Nevada.

      By constructing a dedicated desalination plant to supply water to Southern Nevada counties, Nevada can reduce its reliance on the Colorado River, contributing to the long-term sustainability of the river system. This collaborative effort between Nevada and California presents an opportunity to enhance water security, meet future water demands, stimulate local economies, and demonstrate the importance of interstate cooperation in addressing water challenges. Together, these actions pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient water future for Southern Nevada and beyond.

Last Updated on March 13, 2024

36 thoughts on “East to West – Water Pipeline of America – Colorado-Mississippi Pipeline: Restoring Life to the Colorado River Estuary”

  1. Im tired of wasting my life and money on projects for using water resources etc that really only give my conscience a boost its time for uncle sam to step in and get the big jobs like this done already! Ive been poor and environment focused and feel that it was the best money Ive ever spent I would vote yes on a referendum to spend this kind of money- look at the money wasted on healthcare in this country prolonging peoples unproductive and miserable lives an extra year instead of dieing naturally like my dad chose to-denial ?we need to make room for future generations if there is to be some…

  2. Rather than pumping up to 14,000 ft in the Colorado Rockys why not deliver to Flaming Gorge Reservoir Wyoming/Utah at 7000 ft, were the Green River will connect to the Colorado River ?

  3. The Romans got it right transporting water by aqueduct throughout Italy . Some of those aqueducts are still used today. And they did it without electricity and the need for pumps. In Scotland there is a dam that produces electricity but doesn’t depend on electricity to operate . Water can be elevated by atmospheric pressure , suction
    is the after affect. Science and natural process can enable us to transport water to wherever it is needed from where it is not.

  4. all talk and no action. what are we waiting for, for the whole west to turn into desert—lets go ! us westerners will be gladly pay extra for water. people are looking for work. make the desert blossom. we need the water NOW !!!

    1. I totally agree with Rick. I say gett’er done now. It is a shame to see all of the great farmland going to waste because no water. The mighty Mississippi has enough to share. Use some of the money in the bill Biden signed over the weekend to pay for this pipeline. I live in OKC and we are dry but not to the degree of our neighbors to the west.

    2. Lets not be too liberal with MY money now! With SO much inherent corruption in our system, how can we be assured there will be sufficient money left after paying off the politicians and greedy Billionaires? If we can’t first recognize and agree to this fact, we should go no further. Don’t you dare throw the Obama ‘must do this thing NOW’ bit on me, looked how that worked out for health care!

      Great idea, better to go a bit further and tap a great lake, upgrade capacity and treat more like the interstate system at its founding. How is it that Politicians and Contractors become so filthy rich on these things?

  5. I am so happy to read this. I have believed for years we should be managing our water. Pumping excess,, which does damage and costs lives to places of need makes good Economic and ecological sense. While I do not begin to understand the engineering involved, it is evident it is possible. And there is nothing that says this must be free water; the west needs to be held responsible for its use. I would like to know how to make this a reality. Who in Washington needs to be nudged into action? Thank you

  6. Matthew, above, is right on all counts. I’m not opposed to piping water to the dry areas but this plan totally off in terms of scale, can barely satisfy the water needs of no more than 1 million people. As Matthew said you’d need hundreds of such pipes to fill Lake Mead, this can never be a practical goal. You probably need two 10-foot diameter pipes to just offset a bit of water shortages for agriculture mostly and some domestic/industrial use. Besides one wind turbine would be hardly enough for one pumping station of which you need many.

    1. As far as the “hundreds of pipe”: That would only be true if you want to fill Lake Meade or Lake Powell immediately. Ask yourself this question: “How long did it take for lake Meade and lake Powell to be as low as it is now?” I believe you can google that.😁 Providing the water from East to West will be a slow but sure method. It will help maintain stability all the way to the estuary of the Colorado river by the sea of Cortez.
      You mentioned “one wind turbine would be hardly enough”: This leads me to believe that you did not read the article in full or did not understand it.
      The pipeline idea is sound and it will work.

  7. Matthew Hermanson

    Your cute little 36″ diameter pipe will not make a dent during our flood years nor help during your drought years moving MAYBE 50 to 75 CFS (cubic feet per second). For a reference, during the 2011 Missouri flood, Gavins Point Dam in South Dakota was passing 160,700 CFS through June and July. So save your righteousness about saving the Midwest from our floods.

    Then let’s look at the energy that is required for the lift and the friction loss, and you’re off the charts. Remember also that the Mississippi is quite possibly the busiest cargo corridor in the United States moving grain, etc with far less energy than trucking or railroads can. So any year with only slightly below average flows already cause issues with shipping.

    Oil pipelines can make economic sense because we are moving something (crude oil) that is worth $3/gallon.

    The problem with the Western States is that you demand more water each year than what an average year will bring. Look at what you did to the Owens River one hundred years ago and what you have now done to the Colorado River. Just leave our Mississippi River and Missouri River alone.

    For reference, the Western States historically has drawn around 23,000 to 24,000 CFS from the Colorado River system when averaged out. And Lake Powell’s recent average unregulated inflows (1991 through 2020) has averaged 13,260 CFS.

    At 50-75 CFS per 36″ pipeline, you’d need 300 to 500 of your pipelines to replace all of the water. Which means you would still 75 to 125 of your cute little pipelines to replace just 25% of the recent average draw downs (before the new drought reductions).

    The math don’t lie.

    PS: It is an urban myth that Denver currently is diverting water from the Missouri River.

    1. Not One 36″ but at least two is what the article stated “The pipeline will need two of these lines.”
      Energy to move the water: “Free” – Wind turbines. Excess energy will benefit the community.
      “The math don’t lie.” You may be good in math, but you are fixed on one wrong point.
      >>> Bear in mind, the force of the water flowing in the pipeline is not just from the river, add to it the suction power from the Centrifugal Pump stations. Output is much much more.

      FOCUS on the word “EXCESS”.
      This is not about “instant” replenishment.
      Drought does not happen in ONE year. Replenishment does not happen in ONE year.

      America needs this.

  8. FHM: The water in the Mississippi already belongs to someone, and it’s not you. Your proposal would return the central US to the dust bowl. Plus – here is the big fact, the one you are avoiding – most of the time there are no floods; in fact, there are sometimes serious droughts in the East as well. The Western demand for water is growing, yet the supply – even with Mississippi water – is not.

    1. If there is no flood, then there is no excess. It is that simple. So I am not avoiding the topic. The idea of sharing can be strange to some people. But America is a federal form of government. We share.

  9. Keep your grimy hands off of the Mississippi. The mighty Mississippi is the estuary for the Gulf of Mexio. Plus, that flooding is important to many eco systems along the river. The southwest has gotten itself into a pickle and it can get itself out of it’s own pickle. You wanted water from the Great Lakes also. Thank god Canada has a say in that mess. Stop pumping millions of gallons into the earth for fracking for oil. Stop building golf courses in a desert. I really don’t care now the South West solves its water crisis, but keep you crap in your own backyard and keep your hands off of the beautiful Mississippi.

    1. First and foremost. Always be cordial. That makes us good human beings. Respect is important in life. I never mentioned that flooding is not important. Over-flow is the issue. Prevention of disasters is the issue. We are ONE country.

  10. Hey Team,
    On articles about Lake Mead, Colorado River and Water Shortages, I been posting this link. Maybe we can get some traction. MH

  11. American infrastructure has been neglected for way too many years by globalists. Don’t tell me we don’t have the money to do this when we just sent 40 Billion to Ukraine to take care of their people when we can’t even take care of our own. BUT, no one in DC cares. Energy, Infrastructure, Public Safety, they don’t care.

  12. Why funding farmers in California with tax payers money? The farmers (benefiting from the water transfer) shall lose all water rights at the minimum. The country runs on entrepreneurship – they need to live up to the standards. I am not clear on the pipe system, I though an open channel might be cheaper. I think scientific studies should be pushed forward to get a better understanding what it would take – where is the federal government? – seems to me something like highway system. Otherwise we will see lots of migrants from inside the US and lots of lost investment in the west.

    1. The pipeline doesn’t just benefit the west. It benefits the central states directly too. From this life giving waters of the Mississippi, the entire nation will benefit. We can even help feed the world and make tons of money from it. The sea of Cortez in baja mexico will also benefit. The estuary that once was virtually a forest and now a desert will once more be full of life.

  13. Been saying this for years also. Sounds shovel ready to me. Let’s all tell our representatives and push this. Just makes sense. I’ve laid it out to my Grandson who wants to be a engineer.. If we can pump oil from Alaska, be can pump water from the East to the West. This could be our generations legacy. .

  14. The energy cost to raise the water is very high. A rise difference of over 13,000 feet takes a lot of proposed renewable energy. What about transporting to existing low level reservoirs and lakes in southern California and Arizona? The distance would be much longer but with little energy cost. There could be cost savings with aqueducts instead of cement pipes.

    1. I agree that it will too costly if electricity is used to pump the water. But as proposed the the pumping of the water will be the old fashioned way (Centrifugal Pump stations) as explained in the article.

  15. Lars Fridjof Nærheim

    868 miles, and pumping up water 2 500 feet. To long and to epxensice!

    No pumping, only gravity: CA got 85,9 m acre foot, Coloumbia river dumps 191,3 m foot into The Pasific every year. Move 10% off this water. Make a 365m long tunnel from Red Bluff. NV, AZ, Mexico keep Colorado water.

  16. Lars Fridjof Nærheim

    You got 2 choice, fix the problem or keep the water problem!

    CA got 85,9 m acre foot, Coloumbia river dumps 191,3 m foot into The Pasific every year. Move 10% off this water. Make a 365m long tunnel from Red Bluff. NV, AZ, Mexico keep Colorado water.

  17. Jennifer A. Castanos

    It only makes sense to build water pipelines from east (where flooding is a problem) to the west (where droughts are worse than ever). There should be other pipelines from the lower eastern states to irrigate lands for farming in the west and replenish water sources for not only humans but other species whom are just as important as humans. Besides they did not create this mess; humans did!

  18. What about invasive foreign species being transferred into western habitats via the pipeline?

    Also, you might want to find a better example than the pearl river. I don’t think an intake in Iowa will lower water levels in river basins in Mississippi. But I could be mistaken.

  19. I have been saying this for years. Why have flooding in the east and droughts in the west without doing something about it that helps both situations. I think the pipeline should run down the middle of I70 since the government already owns that land. If you don’t want to go to the Colorado River, then go to the Rio Grand which flows through Colorado and New Mexico. That river used to flow across the Mexican boarder but it no longer makes it that far before all the water is gone. Plus that water would fill up the Elephant Butte Reservoir which is only 40% capacity right now.

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