Mississippi River is the longest river in North America, stretching 2,320 miles from its source in Lake Itasca to its mouth in the Gulf of Mexico. Despite its length, the river has sometimes experienced low water levels due to factors like the construction of dams and droughts. The rainy season is especially important to keep the water levels of the Mississippi River from dropping, and this year was no exception.
Before the rainy season, the water of the Mississippi River had dropped to below 20 feet in some points. This has caused navigation difficulties for barge operators and several of them had to reduce their speed in order to navigate safely. Additionally, experts had warned of potential losses in revenue caused by the low water level, mainly due to increased transportation costs and slower delivery times.
In June this year, the prayers of many barge operators and other stakeholders in the Mississippi River were answered with a sudden surge of rain in the river’s watershed area. According to the US Geological Survey, more than 8 inches of rain fell in some parts of the watershed area. The result was a nearly instant rise in the river’s water level, providing much-needed relief to the navigation difficulties.
Though the rain is seen as a positive, experts agree that its effect on the river may be only temporary. Scott Baskett of the US Geological Survey believes that the effects are only short-term because the rain does not penetrate deeply enough to retain moisture for the long-term. Additionally, the current level of rain is not enough to keep up with the increased water demand due to population growth and agricultural needs.
However, experts believe that the rain does have a positive effect on the river, even if it’s temporary. Stewart Alexander, a professor at Louisiana State University, has praised the recent rain and believes that even though the water levels of the Mississippi River may not be sustained in the long-term, it still gives boaters and shippers a much-needed break. Additionally, he believes that the replenishment of water can give fisheries a chance to recover and populations of aquatic birds a chance to rebuild.
The rain has also provided more indirect, though significant, benefits to the river. For example, farmers have been able to resume their work, and shippers have been able to make fewer trips to deliver goods. Not to mention, the river has become more accessible to recreational activities like fishing, boating, and swimming.
Effect on Aquatic Ecosystem
The burst of rainfall has also been beneficial for the aquatic ecosystem of the Mississippi River. The increased water level has resulted in an increased availability of oxygen in the water, which is necessary for the survival of aquatic animals. Additionally, the increased oxygen levels also leads to increased availability of food, further contributing to the health of the river.
Furthermore, the steady flow of the Mississippi River caused by the current rainfall has made favorable conditions for aquatic creatures, including fish, birds, and insects. A healthy aquatic habitat is essential to the local biodiversity, and the rain has surely been helpful in this regard.
Limitations of Rain
The recent surge of rain has been beneficial for the Mississippi River. However, experts are cautioning people against having too high of expectations. While the rain has been beneficial, it will not be enough to sustain the river in the long-term. The current level of rainfall is not enough to keep up with the increased water demand, and some experts believe that management strategies and techniques will be needed to further protect the river.
Even if the rain does not provide a lasting solution, it has certainly been useful in the short-term. The rain has been able to stop the river’s level from dropping any further and has also provided some much-needed respite to the navigation issues. Additionally, it has given the aquatic habitat a chance to recover in the very least.
Lack of Infrastructure
Despite the recent rain, there are certain factors that can still negatively impact the Mississippi River. One of such factors is the lack of infrastructure. According to experts, the lack of proper infrastructure and maintenance can lead to river deterioration, leading to potential damage to the aquatic habitats.
Prominent barge operators have also expressed their concern over this issue. Jeff Northrup of the Great Lakes and Mississippi River Interlake Routing Corp. stated that the lack of infrastructure can cause navigation difficulties and can also increase their costs significantly. He also added that the current rainy season has been a great reprieve from the navigation difficulties but stated that the currentrain fall is nowhere close to the levels needed to sustain the river for extended periods.
Legal Implications
Another issue that experts believe will negatively impact the Mississippi River is the lack of proper legal protection. While most of the parts of the river are federally protected, there are still certain spots that are not regulated by state or federal laws. These unprotected parts of the river are likely to deteriorate without proper legal protections.
Apart from environmental issues, legal protection is also important to ensure that any recreational activities in the river are conducted in a safe and responsible manner. Currently, significant portions of the river remains unregulated, making them potential sites of illegal activities. The lack of legal regulation will also mean that authorities will be unable to regulate the traffic and steps taken by barge operators along the river.
Conclusion
The recent rainfall has provided much needed respite to the Mississippi River, helping to raise the water levels and improving navigation. Even though it may not provide a lasting solution, the rain has provided temporary benefits, giving the aquatic habitat a chance to recover and allowing recreational activities to return. However, experts warn that it is not enough to sustain the river in the long-term, and effective management and legal protection will be needed to protect the river.
