Environmental Threats
The mighty Mississippi is the largest river system in the United States. It spans over 2,300 miles and is a lifeline for millions of people. But could it go dry?
The answer is yes, the Mississippi could, under certain conditions, dry up. Recent research has shown that, due to climate change and increasing human population growth, the Mississippi is becoming vulnerable to a raft of environmental threats, including droughts and water scarcity. If the river system is not managed strategically, it is, in theory, completely plausible for it to dry up in the future.
A study conducted by the University of British Columbia found that a significant number of Continental United States (CUS) river basins, including the Mississippi, could be affected by the “catastrophic” effects of climate change. This would in turn lead to a decrease in flow, an increase in water temperature, and reduced levels of dissolved oxygen, all of which would put immense pressure on the river system, making it more prone to drying up.
What’s more, the study predicted that the intensity of droughts could increase by 17.5%, while the frequency of dry episodes could triple. The water temperature too, could increase by over 3°F, ultimately lowering the capacity of the river to hold water.
In addition to climate change, the increasing human population growth is also contributing to the increased risk of the Mississippi drying up. Currently, the cities of Memphis and Nashville, two of the most populated cities along the Mississippi, consume approximately 5.4 billion gallons of water per day for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes.
Moreover, water demand is exceeding reliable surface supplies, forcing cities and industries to draw from groundwater reserves found beneath the river system. And this is not only causing a drop in river flow, but also affecting the quality of water in the Mississippi.
Water Quality Impact
In a recent survey, conducted by the Michigan State University, the water quality status of the Mississippi was relatively poor. Pollutants, ranging from herbicides, pesticides, leachates, and heavy metals were found at higher than allowable levels in various parts of the river system.
Experts believe that the presence of such pollutants can cause a decrease in river flow, high levels of aquatic plant growth, as well as an overall reduction in transparency and oxygen levels. This, in turn, can cause a decrease in the population of aquatic organisms, ultimately impacting the entire eco system of the Mississippi.
Moreover, contaminated water from the Mississippi has been found to be the primary source of nutrients for the Gulf of Mexico. The high levels of nitrogen and carbon lead to an increase in oxygen levels, resulting in a condition known as hypoxia or ‘dead zone’.
What’s more, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified many of the tributaries and stream flows that drain into the Mississippi as “impaired”, meaning they are not meeting EPA standards.
How To Mitigate Risk
To mitigate the risk of the Mississippi drying up, experts suggest implementing sustainable water management strategies and enhancing resource conservation. Governments should install stricter laws and regulations to limit water consumption and reduce pollutant release. Continuous monitoring of the river’s hydrological system should also be established to identify discrepancies in flow and water temperature.
In addition, industry, agriculture and business should also be encouraged to restrict their water consumption and reduce water waste. Companies should put in place their water conservation plans and help protect their local water resources.
The restoration and protection of wetlands and riparian zones will also play a crucial role in helping the Mississippi to sustain the increasing levels of water demand. Research has shown that wetlands not only act as water storage facilities, but are also capable of trapping pollutants, slowing down flooding, and preserving riverbanks.
The Impact of Damming
The changing hydrological patterns of the Mississippi have raised alarm bells among experts. The use of artificial dams to increase water depth and reroute the river’s natural flow has been a source of concern.
Studies suggest that the presence of dams can lead to a decrease in stream flow velocity, ultimately weakening the river’s capacity to carry carried sediment. This, in turn, can lead to a decrease in water velocity and an increase in the risk of flooding, erosion, and sedimentation.
In some cases, the flow of water is so restricted that the upper regions of the river can become completely depleted of water during the hottest days of the summer. This has caused several experts to call for the removal of such dams in order to restore the health of the river system.
The Role of Large Cities
In recent years, several large cities, including Chicago and St. Louis, have started to take more responsibility for managing the Mississippi. The cities have initiated plans and programmes to conserve and protect the river, an example being the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Inter-Basin Study (GLMRIS).
The GLMRIS is a multi-agency effort to identify the impacts of potential diversions of Great Lakes water resources and water management strategies. This includes advising cities on how best to manage their water usage and putting in place restrictions for businesses and industries.
In addition to this, local communities are also playing an important role in helping conserve and protect the Mississippi. There are several groups and organisations working on projects to reduce water waste, protect wildlife habitats, and restore wetlands and riparian zones.
The Human Impact
The Mississippi is the source of life and livelihoods of millions of people. It provides a range of agricultural, industrial and recreational benefits to the region while offering priceless cultural heritage opportunities.
A sudden decrease in river flow or change in water temperature could have a devastating effect on the region’s economy and environment. Farmers could be faced with crop failure, industries might have to shut down, and communities could be faced with displacement and poverty.
The story of the Mississippi is the story of life. We all have a role to play in ensuring the river’s sustainability and future. We need to be proactive and take steps now to protect and conserve this vast and ancient river system.
The Growing Need for Conservation
As the threat of the Mississippi drying up increases, the growing need for conservation is becoming ever more apparent. Similarly, the need for stricter laws and regulations to limit water consumption and reduce pollutant release is also becoming increasingly urgent.
Local and international governing bodies must work together to protect and conserve the Mississippi. This could include creating an integrated water monitoring system, establishing resource efficient water conservation plans, and implementing sustainable agriculture practices.
Ultimately, while it is still possible for the Mississippi to dry up, the good news is that we can all take action to prevent this from happening. From reducing water consumption to protecting wetlands, there is still time to protect the Mississippi and its surrounding communities.
Importance of Education
Education will have a crucial role to play in helping to protect the Mississippi. Just as important as governance, the public must be informed and educated about the environmental threats facing the river and the measures that can be taken to protect it.
We all must take responsibility for the Mississippi, and more effort should be made to raise public awareness. This might involve, for example, developing educational resources on conservation and sustainable water resource management.
Ultimately, it is our responsibility to ensure the future of the great Mississippi. We must take action now and push for the protection of the river and its many gifts before it is too late.
