Lets do the math on this, right?
3161.8 km distance between detroit and vancouver.
Flexon 100' Copper Garden Hose is available at Wallmart for $19.97
according to google, 50 feet = 15.24 meter
So, considering you could probably get a better deal because I buy in bulk, an we should round up and use the slightly more expensive option, I give you 3161.8 kilometer / 15.24 meter = 207 467.192 pieces needed, at the cost of 4 149 343.84 dollars. Now, as with this initial investment, and a few price saving tricks, I pay a measely 2.25 dollars, and BAM, I have the first million liters of water ready to go. After all, I would literally not have to do anything but open the valve and go.
Lets actually even this out.
with 10 million liters, I would have costs of around 4149368.84 dollars, if I include gratuity and a bit of transportation aid, and I kind of expect that The detroit people would accept just a bit coming through in an emergency, but that bit 24/7, 365 days per year.
Now, with your method, I have http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nestle-Waters-Bottled-Spring-Water-0.5-Liter-24-Count/26690401 as a comparison.
24*0.5 = 12 liters of water for 10.54 $. Not a bad deal at all. 0,8783 $ per liter of water.
An this is where I hit you with the 10 million liters of water. because, yea, 10 million liters of nestle bottled water cost you 8783000 dollars.
Now, consider how much of that is actually water cost. Ready?
brrrrrrrrrdrummroll..... 22,50$.
0.00256176704 dollars per water bottle are actually water cost. The rest is solemly bottle cost, and service surcharge, and brandname.
So, in my calculation, yes, if you go, below 4 million liters, you got me beat, hands down. even in the purchasing price, I can't help it, our method rocks.
But if you actually understand that mot of my purchasing is to establish the infrastructure, then hells bells, the more I transport, the more I make in profit.
Plus, just as a hint:
This would haver been the most canadian relief action.
"what, detroit has no water? Fuck it, lets not worry, get the long garden hose, turn up the valve, then lean back, get high, eat chicken fingers and play hockey, eh? "