Living here in the Desert Southwest you’re always cognizant about water and its availability, not just for the short-term but for the long-term as well. And the science of accessing water from non-traditional sources is something I’ve grown increasingly interested in. Therefore it was refreshing to discover this really cool article (Hat tip: Instapundit).

And it wasn’t just the article, it was the comments that I found so interesting. Obviously this is something that others have given a great deal of thought to as well! And why not? With the exception of the environmental lobby (which would prefer we all go back to grass huts and stone tools), the prospect of providing the American West with water seems like the kind of technological challenge that America has always embraced and met head on, bringing out the best of us. Think about it: you’re not building bombs that kill people, or spending useless dollars on light rail and “fast train” solutions targeted to only segments of a state or region. You’re solving a fundamental problem that poses a serious threat to the livelihood of the America of people’s dreams. Horace Greely’s “Go west, young man”. California, Las Vegas, the San Fernando Valley.

Desalination plants drawing water from the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Gulf of California. Pipelines drawing water from the Great Lakes and/or America’s great rivers. And these are just existing technologies: just imagine if President Obama (or his successor) were to issue a challenge to America’s colleges and universities and think tanks to “waterize” the West through the most advanced (and environmentally friendly) technological means available to us. Think of the kind of enthusiasm, creativity, and synergy it would create. Engineers dreaming big dreams, infrastructure projects creating jobs. Science and technology back on the front burner like it was when JFK issued his “moon challenge” back in the Sixties.

And think of the economic benefits, not just to the West but to America and the world as well when water is made more plentiful. Dry valleys, lakes and reservoirs, and long-unused farmland brought back to life and verdant with growth, activity, and opportunity. Lower food costs through greater abundance. More job creation and economic opportunities for everyone from corporations to small businesses, benefitting everyone from all walks of life: families, engineers, construction workers, farmers, farm workers.

And it doesn’t necessarily have to be only “the West” that benefits. Perhaps along the way water can be re-routed to other sections of the country in need during unusual weather cycles – for example, helping the Great Plains avoid another “Dust Bowl” and being able to refresh the Ogallala Aquifer when the need arises.

Who knows? this kind of thing might even be the kind of common goal that could help start bringing this country back together as a nation. Hey, I can dream, can’t I?