Can Water Flow from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River
A topic of immense interest, especially in areas where the two rivers intersect, is whether water can flow from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River and then eventually onto the Gulf of Mexico. There is an easy answer to this question – yes. The waterways are connected, but it is not quite as simple as it sounds.
At its widest point, Lake Michigan spans some 307 miles long and 118 miles wide, while the Mississippi is one of the longest rivers on the face of the Earth, stretching some 2,320 miles long. In order for water to make the journey from the lake to the river, it needs a means of transportation. And it gets it from a crucial ten mile link known as the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.
The pipe bridge – as it is more commonly known – was first built in the late 1890s. Its full nine-mile length was completed in 1933, at a cost of $75 million. The purpose of the bridge was to connect the Great Lakes to the Mississippi waterways and allow for direct shipping between Chicago, Illinois and the port of New Orleans, Louisiana. The pipe was the perfect vehicle for these shipments, as it allowed for massive vessels to move between the two locations.
The bridge also fulfilled another important role, that of connecting Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River. While the connection was made with the help of the bridge, the two waterways are quite different in terms of their water levels and flow. The water depths of Lake Michigan average at 279 feet, whereas that of the Mississippi measure at just 25 feet. Despite this significant difference, the waters do mix and flow together, thanks to the help of the pipe bridge.
Moreover, the concept of water between the two waterways also works in an opposite way. Stormwater and run-off can travel southward from the Mississippi into Lake Michigan. This means that the Lake is able to receive precipitation from storms occurring on the Mississippi, while providing water supplies to the river.
The bridge itself is constructed of two structures – the north wall and the south wall. The north wall is constructed of steel and is nearly two-thirds of a mile in length, while the south wall is slightly longer and is constructed mostly of concrete. The two walls converge near the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, where the two waterways meet. This allows for the mixing of the waters and the flow of water from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi, and vice versa.
Invasive Species Threat
Invasive species have been an ever-growing problem in most bodies of water across the United States, and Lake Michigan and the Mississippi are no exception. It has been noted that when water flows from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi, it carries with it some of the more pesky invasive species, such as zebra mussels and round goby fish.
These species have been known to cause a great deal of damage to both the Mississippi and the Great Lakes ecosystems. For example, they can outcompete native species, alter food webs, and even cause structural damage to ecosystems. In order to combat this threat, the US Army Corps of Engineers, environmental groups, and other agencies, implemented several ballast water regulations in the 1990s. These regulations aimed to decrease the number of aquatic nuisance species being transported between the two waterways.
Moreover, the piping also helps reduce the risk of polluting the two waterways. The North Wall blocks the exchange of water between the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, reducing the chance of pollutants like sewage, industrial runoff, and other waste from making the journey from one water system to the other.
Economic Well Being
As mentioned previously, when the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal was built, its purpose was to facilitate shipping between Illinois and Louisiana. While that use may no longer be fully utilized, the need for a quick way to move goods, people, and resources remains very high in today’s globalized world.
The bridge provides a crucial route for goods and supplies to move from one area to the other, as well as being an invaluable economic benefit to both states. It serves as a gateway to bring resources and materials, and even tourists, between the two states.
The bridge also enables other transportation methods, such as cruise ships and barges, to move quickly between Illinois and Louisiana. This helps to boost the tourism and shipping industries in both states and makes it possible for goods to be transported quickly and economically.
Additionally, the bridge plays a role in maintaining the health of both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River. It is estimated that the bridge helps to retain some 30 percent of the water that is transported between the two waterways, ensuring that both ecosystems remain healthy and vibrant.
Environmental Impact
Despite its benefits, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal has not come without its challenges. In recent years, there have been several reports of the waterway leading to the spread of weeds and other non-native plant species.
The pipe bridge has also been accused of negatively affecting water quality, leading to increased erosion and higher levels of pollutants entering the Great Lakes. These pollutants can affect drinking water quality and put people’s health at risk. It is also suspected that the bridge has caused a decrease in fish populations in the Great Lakes and the Mississippi.
Furthermore, it is believed that the bridge is contributing to the decline of the Great Lakes’ aquatic ecosystems. As the water is pumped from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi, it carries with it a number of pollutants and invasive species, which can adversely impact the native fish and plant populations in the two waterways.
In response to these environmental concerns, the US Army Corps of Engineers recently released a plan to help reduce the environmental impact of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. The plan calls for increased monitoring of water levels and flow rates, as well as for improvements in water quality and water pollution prevention.
Long-Term Management Plan
While the bridge is currently a valuable asset to both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River, its long-term management has become increasingly important. The US Army Corps of Engineers has released a plan to address long-term management of the bridge, including strategies such as tighter regulations on the transportation of vessels and the implementation of ballast water management strategies.
The plan also calls for increased monitoring of the waterway and the implementation of improved water pollution prevention techniques. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers is collaborating with state and local governments, along with non-governmental organizations, to ensure that the bridge remains a sustainable asset for both states.
Educational Resources
As more and more people are becoming aware of the impact of the bridge and the ways in which it connects the Great Lakes to the Mississippi River, educational resources are increasingly important. Organizations, including schools and universities, are encouraging the use of educational resources to teach people about the science and ecology behind the bridge.
These resources include educational materials, such as videos and education kits, as well as field trip programs and lecture series. These educational tools help to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of the bridge and the waterways it connects.
Conservation Efforts
The impact of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal on the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River has resulted in the need for improved conservation efforts. The US Army Corps of Engineers, along with local governments and organizations, has sought to address this issue by implementing efforts to reduce the bridge’s environmental impact.
The conservation efforts have included hazardous waste and pollution control, aquatic ecosystem restoration, and protection of aquatic species. Additionally, the US Army Corps of Engineers has collaborated with local and state governments to ensure that the bridge does not negatively impact the health of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River ecosystems.
Conclusion
The bridge connecting Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River is an invaluable asset to both states. Not only does it facilitate the transportation of goods, people, and resources between the two areas, but it also ensures that water flows freely between the two waterways and contributes to the health of their respective natural habitats. However, due to environmental concerns, there is a need for increased management and conservation efforts to ensure the health and safety of both the Great Lakes and the Mississippi River systems.
