> IMHO the most important thing to do is to honestly study all the alternatives

Like not farming in deserts? It's ironic to me that progressive states like California refuse to change their incoherent farming practices that have obliterated their water supply yet they're totally open to diverting rivers all over the country outside of California. I think this is what OP was eluding to. The water crisis doesn't need engineering. It needs a change in mentality first and foremost.