ABSTRACT
The Western Pipeline would pump 3.5 MCM of water per day through a pipeline covering a distance of approximately 2,700 kilometers. The pipeline would vary in size from between 3 and 4 meters in diameter. The cost for the Western Pipeline is estimated at $8.5 billion. It is expected to provide 8 to 9 million people with up to 400 liters of water per person per day. Water transported by both pipelines will be of fairly high quality and will require limited treatment, mainly chlorination. This water is intended primarily for domestic consumption. Although seasonal demand may vary, the flow in the pipelines will tend to remain constant into receiving reservoirs. The average cost of water delivered for the Western Pipeline and Gulf Pipeline has been calculated at $0.84 per cubic meter and $1.07 per cubic meter, respectively, which compares favorably to the subsidized cost of water from desalination plants.
