Major pipeline might aid arid West

The western states now depend heavily on the Colorado River. In announcing the water demand study early last year, the Bureau of Reclamation noted that the natural water supply of the Colorado River basin varies from year to year, with localized shortages now routine. The study said demand is rising as the western population grows, but that supply may decline due to climate change.

Ideas about moving water from one place to another have been broached before, and more are being proposed.

California Gov. Gov. Jerry Brown and Interior Secretary Ken Salazar in July announced plans for a massive twin-tunnel system to carry water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta to provide water for cities and farmland.

In May, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for the second time denied a permit for a 500-mile pipeline to carry water from the Green River in Wyoming to Colorado's Front Range.