To the engineers on YA...?

Question

In the past few years we have had too much water in one part of the country and shortages in other parts. What prevents building a series of canals to move excess water to where it is needed?

Answer 1

Cost.  This sort of infrastructure is very expensive to build, and also expensive to run.  Look up the California Central Valley project for an example; it works, but it wasn't cheap.

Answer 2

It is possible but like everything money is of the utmost concern.  However, there would be some benefits but the cost would be orders of magnitude higher than the benefits.



One simple channel from the mississippi to the colorado river has been thought of but that alone cost a rediculous amount and only select communities could rely off of it.

Answer 3

I will add my voice to the response: Cost.

It's physically possible of course.  China is going to do it.  But once such a system is in place ($$$!) then it has to be maintained ($$$$$$$!!)

Answer 4

money.