Has the Mississippi River Dried Up?
Since its formation millions of years ago, the Mississippi River has seen its fair share of flooding and hostile weather. Despite the dramatic changes in its environment, it is one of the most well-known rivers for its length, power, and its impact on the local economy. It is one of the globe’s longest river systems, stretching from the Minnesota-Wisconsin border all the way to the Gulf of Mexico. But recently, we are wondering if it has been affected by the great drying up trend that is taking place all over the world.
Much of the Mississippi River is considered to be very healthy. As of 2021, the EPA classifies most of the rivers in the United States as healthy, with the Mississippi River being in the top 5% of the most healthiest rivers in the country. It is estimated that the river has over 11.2 million acres of fresh water, which is however, decreasing due to fluctuating levels of precipitation and increased demand for water caused by population growth.
Over the past few years, the river has seen significant levels of drought, with an estimated shortfall of 7.3 billion gallons falling within its lower segment. That is not to mention the effects of the Upper Basin’s Arkansas-White-Red River Compact which was designed to protect the river during droughts. A 2018 report by the United States Bureau of Reclamation estimated that the Upper Basin was over 14 million acre feet short of water. What this means, is that when the flow from the North decreases, groundwater is no longer available to sustain the remaining flow of the Mississippi River.
At the same time, the river is also facing threats from pollution, with many of the tributaries connecting to the river being heavily contaminated with chemicals and other pollutants. This makes it difficult for the people and creatures who rely on the water to sustain their livelihood. This is especially evident within the cities and towns that sit along the river’s banks, where the majority of the pollution comes from.
Ultimately, it is hard to say whether the Mississippi River is completely dry or not. However, there is no denying the fact that it is facing immense pressure from the wear and tear of time,s in addition to the effects of climate change, which itself is causing great drought and desertification.
All in all, although the Mississippi River is facing a lot of challenges, it seems that it is still managing to stay healthy. Hopefully, with enough action taken, this important body of water will remain a key contributor to the economy, ecosystem and culture of the United States.
Effects of Pollution and Agriculture on the Mississippi River
Aside from drought, the Mississippi River is also facing pollution threats, both in its tributaries and in the main channel. Pollution levels have increased exponentially over the years due to a combination of factors such as agricultural runoff, over fishing, and effluent from nearby factories. These contaminants have caused the river to become eutrophic – an imbalance of nutrients causing an excessive growth of plant and algae that leads to decreased oxygen levels, fish kill and the death of other aquatic organisms. As the health of the river continues to deteriorate, the surrounding environment increasingly suffers, adding to the complexity of ecological damage already inflicted.
Agriculture is another major contributor to the pollution of the Mississippi River. Every year, an estimated 1.5 trillion gallons of agricultural waste ends up in the river, carrying with it an excess of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, as well as soil and human-made chemicals. These pollutants accumulate along the river’s course, causing an array of ecological and health problems, including algae blooms, hypoxia (low oxygen levels in the water), and eutrophication. This can have a serious impact on the water quality and the health of those who rely on it for drinking and fishing. Fortunately, organizations such as the Mississippi River Network are taking action to reduce agricultural runoff and other forms of water pollution.
The use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals has also caused severe health concerns along the Mississippi River, as these chemicals can accumulate in the fish and other marine life that humans consume. Studies have shown that fish and shellfish living in the river contain elevated levels of metals and toxins, posing a threat to human health. To ensure that the river remains healthy and safe for consumption, organizations like the Mississippi River Network are advocating for stricter regulations on the use of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals.
To top off all of the environmental issues, the Mississippi River also faces threats from development. The surge in residential and commercial development has led to an increase in runoff, creating vast areas of impervious surfaces that can lead to local flooding and unbalanced flow as the water passes through cities and towns.
The Dangers of Dams and Diversion
The Mississippi River is one of the largest and most heavily traverse river systems in the world. Over the years, a vast number of dams have been built to facilitate a variety of uses such as flood management, hydropower, navigation, and recreation. But while these structures can help with certain goals, they can also have negative impacts on the river. If a dam is not managed properly, it can cause a huge reduction in the amount of water flowing downstream, resulting in a decrease in oxygen levels and decreased water quality. This can lead to fish kills and water quality issues, among other problems.
Diversions are another part of the river’s history that can have both positive and negative environmental impacts. Diversions are channels connecting the Mississippi River to its tributaries, allowing water to move from one water body to the other. Diversions are often used to improve water supply, agricultural runoff, and recreation, and for flood control. However, some of the most recent diversions, such as the Old River Control Structure, have caused huge damage to riverbank habitats and ecosystems, leading to land erosion and changes in normal water flow.
The Army Corps of Engineers has been working to limit these adverse impacts by introducing more efficient and upstream control structures, while also restoring and improving conditions in some areas. But it is clear that if actions to improve the river’s health do not increase, the negative effects of dams and diversions will only become worse in the future.
What Can We Do To Help the Mississippi River?
Despite the huge challenges that the Mississippi River is currently facing, there are still many ways to help. One of the most effective strategies is to reduce our individual water consumption and pollution levels, as well as to create water-efficient products, installation, and consumer practices. We can also strive to use less energy and purchase renewable energy sources to reduce the amount of carbon and other pollutants that eventually end up in the river.
On a larger scale, public policy can have a significant impact in reducing water and air pollution, such as creating legislation to regulate the use of water and chemicals, and introducing incentives for businesses to implement sustainable policies in their operations. By working together, we can take action to ensure that the Mississippi River remains healthy and protected in the long-run.
The Power of Collaboration
Finally, the importance of collaboration cannot be overstated. By partnering with environmental organizations, we can collectively work to protect the Mississippi River from the threats posed by drought and pollution. With enough effort, we can create a steady flow of clean, safe water all the way from its origin to its destination. Through initiatives such as wetland restoration, water quality monitoring, and increasing public awareness, we can help protect the river from further damage.
In addition, getting involved with advocacy groups can help to ensure that the Mississippi River and its surrounding environment are both protected and respected. Organizations such as the Mississippi River Network, American Rivers and Mississippi River Towns can raise awareness and influence policy makers to prioritize the river’s wellbeing.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a key indicator of the state of the global ecosystem. While the river has seen its fair share of challenges due to climate change and local pollution, there are still many initiatives taking place to ensure its sustainability. From reducing water consumption and promoting renewable energy to advocating for better public policy, we can all do our part to ensure that the Mississippi River remains healthy and vibrant for future generations.
