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Could trains haul millions of gallons of MN groundwater to the Southwest?

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Posted by diningcar on Friday, November 1, 2019 6:55 PM

There is as mutch water on this planet as there ever was, it's not always where the demand is because we, the human race, have made decisions to locate and develope where the water supply is not able to support the life styles we desire.

Therefore those who have chosen to locate where there is not sufficient water must pay to have it made available. In California there is the solution of desalin isation from the Pacific Ocean. For Arizona the solution is more complicated.

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Posted by tree68 on Friday, November 1, 2019 6:51 PM

The next question is where are you going to get the cars?

Very few are set up to haul straight water - so whatever cars you do use will have to be thoroughly cleaned, and will also then not be available for whatever they were built for.

Thirty-three cars (at 30,000 gallons per) will hold a million gallons.

LarryWhistling
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Posted by Convicted One on Friday, November 1, 2019 6:20 PM

SD60MAC9500
Besides we have plenty of surface water available on the Great Lakes if something like this were to happen..

Isn't there a pact between all parties having a shore on the Great lakes, that stipulates the maximum amount of water each state or province may pull or divert from the Great Lakes basin?

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  • From: Sterling Heights, Michigan
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Posted by SD60MAC9500 on Friday, November 1, 2019 9:10 AM

There’s no reason to.. Besides we have plenty of surface water available on the Great Lakes if something like this were to happen.. Don’t hold your breath..

Rahhhhhhhhh!!!!
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Posted by charlie hebdo on Friday, November 1, 2019 9:02 AM

I think the impact would affect homeowners with wells and local farmers who irrigate, not just the OP's target of hostility. 

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Posted by BaltACD on Friday, November 1, 2019 8:47 AM

The economics of the transaction would drive the reality of it coming to reality or not.

The water can be transported without any significant technological issues.  How much profit is there for the Shipper, how much profit is in it for the carrier(s).  How much can the Consignee afford to pay to come into possession of the water.  Like anything else in the world it comes down to simple economics.  Water costs money, how much do you want (or afford) to pay.

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Posted by Juniata Man on Friday, November 1, 2019 8:39 AM

I believe the simple answer here is yes but; at what cost?  

And the even larger question is would either UP or BNSF have any interest in business like this.  Seems almost safe to say UP would say no but; BNSF - maybe???

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Could trains haul millions of gallons of MN groundwater to the Southwest?
Posted by MarknLisa on Friday, November 1, 2019 8:11 AM

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