Environmental Effects of Swimming in the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River features prominently in the cultural identity of the US, as combined with the Ohio and Missouri rivers, the river forms part of the longest river system in the country. In the past, people often bought properties along the banks of the Mississippi, looking to take advantage of the wide range of leisurely activities near their homes. Swimming in the river is one such activity, however, with the river home to sewage and agricultural runoff, the conditions of it’s water may be unsuitable for swimming.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states that aging sewer systems, combined with discharges from industry, create an increased potential for bacteria and other organisms that can cause illness. In 2017, a combined total of 19.5 billion gallons of untreated sewage and stormwater were discharged into the Mississippi River from Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana, leading to increased levels of contaminants in the water.
This contaminated water does pose a threat to anyone who may decide to go for a swim in the Mississippi River. Professional neurosurgeon Dr. Robert Kennedy warns about the potential for eye and ear infections following swimming in contaminated water. “People think that because the river has water, it\s safe for swimming, but this is not the case,” he said.
Heavy concentrations of chemicals, such as nitrogen and phosphorus, can occur as an average annual load of 8.49T of nitrogen and 0.98T of phosphorus enters the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi river. These chemicals can cause a range of health problems due to the bacteria they create in the water.
The EPA advises that people should avoid contact with open bodies of water until their water quality can meet the national water quality standards required by the Clean Water Act. This act works to protect the public health and the environment of the pollution entering the Mississippi River due to human activities.
Open water in the Mississippi River is often very deep, posing a danger to anyone without the proper experience to swim, as well as being home to a range of hazardous aquatic life. Expert swimmers should assess the depth of the river before considering swimming in it and wear life vests as an extra safety precaution.
Pollutants in the Mississippi River
Pollution enters the Mississippi River from multiple sources in the form of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The EPA reports that the biggest source of this pollution comes from agricultural runoff – fertilizer and other pesticides used on crop fields being washed into the river during periods of heavy rain.
Municipal sewage treatment plants are also a major contributor to the pollution in the Mississippi River, with many built long before modern methods of treatment were developed. In a 2017 EPA report, 26 of the 31 Mississippi River watersheds were ranked as \impaired\ by state standards and were reported to have excessive amounts of pollutants including nitrogen, phosphorus, and bacteria. As a result of these pollutants, fish consumption, especially among urban and poorer communities, can be hazardous.
Though pollution has been a large issue for the Mississippi River, there are environmental efforts in motion to help combat it. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Network (MRN) and River Network have strengthened partnerships among organizations located along the river to work on projects that improve the river’s water quality and decrease the amount of contaminants in the watershed.
The MRN works actively to improve the river’s quality of wastewater discharge by promoting the use of stormwater management and other protective measures to reduce pollution. They also partner with local organizations to support environmental education, providing opportunities for the public to become more knowledgeable about the Mississippi River and its vulnerable ecosystem.
Impacts on Wildlife
There are around 200 species of fish in the Mississippi River, though these fish are often exposed to heavy metals, PCBs and bacteria, coming from the contaminated water.
The river’s extensive system of locks, dams, and diversion structures has also impacted fish populations. These structures block fish movement and alter the habitat, thus decreasing the number of species that are able to thrive. Pollution and changes in habitat can lead to the extinction of species, as well as extensive changes in fish populations.
Pollutants have also affected other aquatic organisms, such as birds and amphibians. The animals that call the Mississippi River home are directly affected by the amount of pollution entering the river, as contaminated water can take away vital food sources and habitats.
Additionally, pollution may affect the humans living nearby. Studies have highlighted the relationship between environmental toxins and the adverse health effects of those who live near bodies of water contaminated with pollutants.
Recreation Restrictions
In certain areas, the EPA will issue advisories to reduce contact with contaminated water, including swimming in the Mississippi River. These advisories are important to protect the public health, as they limit exposure to hazardous levels of chemicals and bacteria.
On specific days when the Mississippi River’s water quality is poor, local governments and organizations will take the necessary precautions to protect the public by closing swimming areas located near the river. Beach closures on the river can occur without warning, so it is important for anyone who may swim in the river to be aware of these closures.
There are various regulations imposed on the Mississippi River controlling its water quality, such as the Clean Water Act, the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System, the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, and the Total Maximum Daily Load. These different laws and regulations help ensure water quality standards are maintained in the Mississippi River, reducing exposure to pollution and other contaminants.
Sport Regulations
Regulations also exist for watersport activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. Fishing regulations apply to commercial, recreational, and charter fishing operations in the Mississippi River. Boaters must also adhere to certain laws, as some areas of the river are classified as “no-wake zones”, which prevent personal watercraft from travelling faster than five knots, preventing excessive compaction of the bank and the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Reebok Ambassador Chris Cole, a professional skateboarder, emphasizes the importance of regulations in the river: “It’s essential that we respect the regulations in place and understand our role in protecting the Mississippi River from environmental damage,” he said. “Swimming in the river is possible, however, it is important to tread lightly and leave the river in the same condition as it was found.”
Precautionary Measures
As swimming in the Mississippi River is prohibited by health department advisories, those who choose to enter the river should ensure they are taking the proper safety precautions. Wearing a life jacket is recommended in cases of swimming in open water, as a way to provide an extra layer of safety.
It is also important to stay aware of current news and advisories, especially during rainy seasons as heavy rainfall increases the amount of runoff entering the river.
As the Mississippi River is a wide, powerful river, swimming in it is not for novice swimmers. Even the most experienced swimmers should be cautious when entering open water and assure they have the proper safety equipment and knowledge before choosing to partake in activities in the Mississippi River.
Advocacy Networks
For those who are passionate about preserving the Mississippi River environment, there are various advocacy networks providing an opportunity to join the fight to prevent further pollution. Organisations such as the Friends of the Mississippi River, the Mississippi River Network, and the Rivers Trust of Africa provide opportunities for people to become involved in protect the river and the species and habitats it sustains.
Groups such as Rivers Trust of Africa and the International Rivers Network have worked to reduce the harm done to the river’s ecosystems and promote the restoration of rivers and their watersheds. These advocacy networks provide individuals with a platform to share research and contribute to conversations about the river’s conservation, as well as connecting with projects to support the river’s rehabilitation.
Water Quality Monitoring
Considering the environmental risks associated with swimming in the Mississippi River, greater efforts are being made to promote the monitoring of the river’s water quality. The EPA and the US Geological Survey keep records of water quality in the river, updating their reading weekly and monthly. These records display information on the water quality in a specific area, such as water temperature, pH and nutrients.
The Mississippi River Monitoring Coalition is an organization that works to promote water quality monitoring in the Mississippi River. This organisation works with local communities to educate them on the importance of monitoring the river’s water quality, to ensure the safety of individuals in the area.
Green Infrastructure
The idea of green infrastructure is becoming increasingly popular as a way to decrease the amount of contaminated water entering the river, as green infrastructure is designed to absorb rainfall, preventing it from entering the river. In cities along the Mississippi, the installation of green infrastructure such as green roofs, porous roads, and bioswales (basins designed to store water), have been successful in reducing the amount of surface runoff and contaminants entering the river.
Local authorities are using similar methods on a larger scale to better manage stormwater runoff. This includes the installation of green infrastructure, such as rain gardens, bioswales and green roofs. These methods reduce the need for stormwater management systems which collect pollutants, while still benefiting the environment.
Green infrastructure is both cost-effective and beneficial to the environment, and has proven to be a successful way to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi River.
