The Mississippi River, one of North America’s largest waterways, is a vital lifeblood to those who rely on it for transportation, sustenance, and work. The question of whether the Mississippi River flows through New Orleans is complicated by the many different waterways that are connected to this great river. Conflicting information exists and depends on how one defines the Mississippi River.
The Mississippi River is commonly known as an area of commerce, recreation, historical significance and engineering marvels. It flows south, a path that begins in Minnesota, goes down the entirety of the midwest, and then continues to the Gulf of Mexico; and many believe that it does flow through New Orleans. Yet, others believe that the waterway does not “physically” flow through New Orleans.
The heart of the debate is the understanding of what it means for the Mississippi River to flow through New Orleans. Geographically speaking, the Mississippi River delta and basin is the area of where the river is coming from and which would eventually lead to the Gulf Coast. This is the beginning and end of the Mississippi River’s journey and does include New Orleans. The water of the Mississippi River does flow through this area and New Orleans is situated between two different bends of the river. These two bends form the Mississippi delta and the river has provided an invaluable transportation avenue through those areas.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Mississippi Valley is one of the most actively flowing and managed rivers in the United States. It is also one of the world’s busiest and most productive river systems, providing food, water, recreation opportunities, transportation, and much more. It is a major channel of commerce and passage, linking the states and countries of the Midwest and Gulf Coast.
The reason why different sources may provide conflicting information about the Mississippi River’s status in the New Orleans area is due to the many different waterways connected to this large river. Much of the river’s flow is diverted via multiple channels into its distributaries. These distributaries include the Mississippi Sound, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Lake Pontchartrain and its tributary, the Pearl River. In New Orleans, these various waterways merges back into the Mississippi River.
So after much deliberation, the answer to the question of whether the Mississippi River “flows through New Orleans” appears to be yes. The rivers, canals and distributaries that form the Mississippi Valley do technically “flow through New Orleans”, although it is more accurate to say it is the area surrounding the city. It can also be argued that the river does “flow through” New Orleans in the sense that it is an important part of the city’s culture and history. Thus, the Mississippi River is deeply tied to New Orleans’s character and identity.
Economic Significance
The Mississippi River has a strong economic importance in New Orleans. It serves as an important transportation route to support the city’s industry. The river is used to send hay, wheat, cotton, coffee, sugar and many other goods to the rest of the world. The river also supports the fishing industry, providing a source of employment and food for those who live near it. Tourists are also enticed to the region, offering the city a new form of income.
The river also provides a sense of security, serving as a barrier against hurricanes. The waters can slow down the speed at which a hurricane approaches, giving the citizens of New Orleans a better chance of surviving the storm. In addition, the water can help protect the city from flooding due to its high flow rate.
In addition to the economic benefits, the Mississippi River also has an important role in the professional sport of football. Louisiana State University’s football team, LSU Tigers, often plays in the ‘Superdome’, a stadium built beside the river. The river also serves a great backdrop to the thousands of boats that annually visit for the “Sail the Mississippi” event.
Environmental Impact
The waters of the Mississippi River in New Orleans are heavily polluted. The river has become a depository for agricultural, industrial and domestic wastes — as well as untreated sewage — which leaches into the river. As a result, the fish population in the river has diminished and aquatic life is threatened.
The pollution of the Mississippi River affects the entire region, with local wildlife ecosystems suffering the consequences. It affects not only the species that live on the land, but also the people who live and work near the river. Poor water quality can lead to an increase in health problems, particularly for those living in the cities closest to the river.
To fix the problem, extensive efforts must be taken to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the water. Conservation measures, such as improving sanitation systems and increasing education about pollution, could help mitigate the pollutants entering the river. Furthermore, some scientists suggest that the natural flow of the river be restored in order to balance out any pollutants that enter.
Social Implications
Not only does the Mississippi River play an important part in the economic and environmental flow of New Orleans, but it is also tightly intertwined with its culture and society. The river is incredibly important to the city’s social identity, with many of its districts and neighbourhoods being named after the river’s tributaries. The city’s populations are still deeply connected to the river and the cultures it has helped shape since its founding.
The Mississippi River is home to some of united states greats. Famous musicians, authors, politicians and civil rights activists were born and raised along the banks of the river. It is filled with historical significance and has many sites connected to the nation’s past. It is very much a part of the city’s cultural identity and is a source of pride for its inhabitants.
Many of the city’s citizens have also grown up fishing and swimming in its waters. Unfortunately, much of this activity has been curtailed due to the river’s contamination. With the implementation of necessary conservation initiatives, the river could once again become a place of leisure and recreation for all of New Orleans’ residents.
Resiliency Efforts
In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Louisiana has become a leading example for the nation in terms of resiliency. As sea levels and storm intensities increase, New Orleans and the rest of the state have committed to pushing back against climate change effects with a number of large scale projects and initiatives. One of the first steps they took was to adapt and develop an integrated plan to mitigate many of the potential impacts by fortifying the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
These efforts include hard structures, such as levees and surge protection walls, as well as the soft infrastructure of living shorelines, wetlands restoration and replanting mangroves. Additionally, the state is addressing coastal erosion issues, a side effect of rising sea levels, with a managed retreat policy that applies to areas most impacted by flooding.
Not all of these interventions have proven to be successful, but New Orleans has proven that resilience to climate change is possible. With the help of locals, city officials, and conservation experts, the state has managed to find a way to live with its changing waters while still protecting its economy, infrastructure, and environment.
Environmental Ethic
In recent years, people have become more aware and concerned about the environment and what actions they can take to preserve it. This has resulted in a shift in the way people and businesses interact with the environment. Louisiana’s citizens are now considering their ethical responsibilities when it comes to the Mississippi River and its impact on the environment.
Locals have started to look for different initiatives to clean up the river. Initiatives such as river, lake, and creek clean-ups are now commonplace. Additionally, people have started to rally around the cause, with various campaigns, petitions and fundraisers taking up the responsibility to address the river’s contamination.
It is also important to remember that the river is not just a pollution threat but also a source of recreation. People should recognize their responsibility to help maintain and protect this shared resource. That is why engaging in activities like kayaking, canoeing and fishing can be seen as part of an environmental ethic.
Conclusion
New Orleans has been entwined with the Mississippi River since its first settlers arrived in the early 1700s. The river has served as a vital transportation route, a place of commerce, and a source of recreation. It is also a major component in the city’s culture, its history, and its identity. As such, the river is deeply connected to the people of New Orleans and its future.
The presence of the Mississippi River in New Orleans does make a direct impact on the environment and economy, for better or for worse. Thankfully, there are numerous initiatives currently in place to reduce the pollution of the river and help safeguard its future. It is of utmost importance that these initiatives are supported in order to preserve the Mississippi River for generations to come.
