ELi5 Why can’t we build massive transnational water pipelines (like with oil) to transport water from large fresh water sources to drier areas?

Question

Obviously this wouldn’t relieve the issues caused by low snowpack and decreasing precipitation, but it could supplement the water used for everyday living or agriculture during times of drought right?

In: 6

Answer 1

We can. There have actually been proposals to bring water from the Great Lakes to the SW of the country. States in the Great Lakes region have created laws that prevent this from occurring. No one wants to give up precious water supplies, ecosystems are fragile, water rights different depending on location, and problems with cost/price/profitability make it unattractive.