In terms of geographical proportions, the Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world. It flows from its source in Lake Itasca in Minnesota and traverses some 2,350 miles to reach its mouth at the Gulf of Mexico. As it forms the boundary between the states of Mississippi and Louisiana, many people are familiar with the river’s American history. But, does the Mississippi River flow through Canada?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. The Mississippi River does not flow into Canada. Nonetheless, the river is connected to Canada in other ways. For example, the Mississippi River watershed extends far beyond American borders, reaching through Louisiana, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Iowa, across Illinois and Wisconsin, before meeting the Great Lakes, meaning that many of the rivers and streams that flow into the Mississippi River originate from upper Midwest Canadian tributary basins, such as the Red River of the North.
The Minnesota River is one of the Mississippi’s major tributaries, with its headwaters located in the Great Lakes basin which is not part of the US geographic area, although the Great Lakes fall within Canadian boundaries. The great majority of the Minnesota River is in the United States, but a stretch of 33 miles near its headwaters does form the transition between the US and Canada. Therefore, although the Mississippi River does not flow into Canada, there is a connection between the two countries.
Experts in the field of hydrogeology have a variety of opinions regarding the global impact of the Mississippi River. For example, Dr. John M. Ehrenberger, a leading hydrogeologist and professor at the University of Minnesota, stresses the significance of the Mississippi River’s role in the international water cycle due to its connectivity with the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. Dr. Ehrenberger’s emphasis on the importance of the Mississippi River is so great that he also argues that, as the river provides water for over 18 million people in North America, it should be treated as a shared, public water resource.
This view for the Mississippi River as a public resource is a uniquely American perspective; in Canada, the Great Lakes themselves are the equivalent of the Mississippi and, as such, are treated as public water ways by all Canadian provinces, as well as by the US states which form their shores.
In fact, the Great Lakes provide drinking water for about 10 million Canadian citizens and another 30 million US citizens, in addition to serving as navigable pathways for commercial purposes. From a global perspective, the Mississippi River is one of many rivers that flows into the Great Lakes and therefore contributes to the Great Lakes’ water supply.
Impact of Global Warming
In addition to providing drinking water, the Mississippi River also impacts climate change. Global warming is causing the Earth’s atmosphere to increase in temperature and humidity, which in turn affects the water cycle. As precipitation patterns change, droughts occur more often and areas that are already dry can become even drier.
As a result, water levels in the Mississippi River can be significantly affected. For instance, during a drought, the low water levels in the Mississippi usually off-set the balance of the river basin and may result in localized flooding. Therefore, it could be argued that global warming has an effect on the Mississippi River, even though it does not technically flow into Canada.
The Mississippi River basin is also used to transport goods and people. In fact, the river is the world’s busiest inland waterway and its floodplain is the most productive agricultural area in the world. This vital role of the Mississippi River basin could be compromised by the results of climate change, as higher temperatures and aquatic ecosystem disruptions can impede its progress.
Environmental Consequences
Environmental consequences of the Mississippi River’s transboundary flow are also of increasing concern. For example, since the mid-nineteenth century, several exotic plant and animal species have been introduced to the river system and are now present in the tributaries. These species can cause problems for the local ecosystems and can even lead to the displacement of native species. In some cases, this can result in an overall degradation of the habitat and its species. Moreover, the river has been subject to numerous pollutants, with industrial and agricultural waste, fertilizers, and other chemicals being released into the water.
These exotic species, pollutants and increased demands for water have had a profound impact on the local aquatic ecosystems and conversely, on the countries it transverses. As such, many environmental organizations are advocating for the implementation of global regulations to reduce the human impact on the Mississippi River.
Social Impact
From a social perspective, the Mississippi River is also an important cultural reference point. Many of the American southern states it touches consider the river a sort of symbol of their cultural and ideological identities. This notion of the Mississippi River is, however, in danger of eroding due to global warming and the resulting water cycle modifications. Climate change has had and is continuing to have a massive impact on both the natural and human landscapes of the South, and many locals feel this is compromising their sense of cultural and social identity and their relationship to the river.
At the same time, the river has been a source of inspiration for visual and musical artists, ranging from Mark Twain’s iconic book “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and Bob Dylan’s acclaimed album “Highway 61” to classic films such as “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”, which all revolve around the Mississippi River and its unique role in Southern culture. The Mississippi River also has many recreational activities associated with it, such as rafting, boating, fishing, and camping. These activities allow locals, as well as visitors, to interact and engage with the river’s natural beauty.
Threat of the Human Influence
Despite the Mississippi River occupying a significant place in American history, culture and recreation, humans are disrupting the river’s longevity and beauty. From a legal perspective, there is no unified organization or policy in place for the Mississippi River. This means that a lack of governmental intervention and collective action can lead to unregulated pollution, fishing, and general use of the river, which can all have long-term social and environmental impacts.
At the same time, there is a need for more public education programs to inform people about the importance of the river’s well-being and sustainability. This would, in turn, help encourage collective action for the conservation of the Mississippi and its tributaries. No matter what efforts are put in place, however, it seems that the human influence on the Mississippi River will continue to be a major issue.
Need for International Collaboration
In the face of the multiple challenges posed by the Mississippi River and the human influence, international collaboration is essential. The river forms the border between the United States and Mexico, but also the larger shared border between the United States and Canada. This means that an international solution is required if the Mississippi is to be properly conserved and effectively used.
In this regard, a good starting point would be the establishment of joint policies and collaborative initiatives between the US and Canada. For example, transboundary water agreements can be signed and put in place to ensure both countries will work together to sustainably manage the resources in the shared water basins. Such agreements can set out the framework for communicating and monitoring the river’s health, resources and any risks, as well as for providing safe and efficient access for water-based activities.
The Mississippi played a fundamental role in the establishment of the United States and continues to affect both the nation and the world today. This means that its importance should not be underestimated and more attention should be given to legally protecting its ecological health. By collaborating with other countries such as Canada, the United States can ensure that this icon in American culture is preserved for generations to come.
