Average Depth
The average depth of the Mississippi River in New Orleans is 12.1 feet deep. The river is dredged annually to a minimum of 12 feet deep, to which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must adhere for the shipping and boating industry. The thickness of the Mississippi River varies from 31 miles to 10 miles in an area located near New Orleans. To keep the river from overflowing its banks, around 12 million cubic yards of sediment is dredged from the Mississipi annually.
Record Low Water Level
In July of 2001, the Mississippi River experienced its lowest recorded water level since 1988. The record low water level was caused by a severe summer drought and a decrease in water releases from the dams located upstream. This resulted in the water level on the Mississippi dropping to around three feet below the 12-foot minimum depth required for navigability. Despite dropping to such an alarming level, the river was still slightly higher than its record low of 5.2 feet that was set 32 years prior.
Pollution in the River
The Mississippi River is the ninth most polluted river in the United States. Pollutants may include industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and urban runoff. These pollutants can settle on the riverbed and accumulate over time, potentially leading to fish kills and unsanitary drinking water. In 2017, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency listed the Mississippi River as impaired because of the high level of nitrate contamination in the water. Nitrate is often found in agricultural fertilizer runoff and can be highly toxic to humans and aquatic wildlife when consumed.
Global Implications
The Mississippi River is the world’s fourth-longest river and the most important commercial waterway in the United States. Its deep and wide body of water serves as an important transportation route for goods and services, generating hundreds of billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Moreover, the current and future health of the river affects the livelihood of humans and wildlife who depend on it.
Protecting the Mississippi
Protection of the Mississippi River has become a priority for both state and federal governments. Since the 1970s, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has worked to reduce sediment, reduce the risk of floods, restore habitat, and improve water quality. The federal government has allocated funding to state and local governments to ensure they are compliant with the Clean Water Act of 1972, and local municipalities have implemented pollution prevention strategies. To further assist, the Mississippi River Basin Alliance has formed to coordinate conservation and mitigation efforts throughout the region.
New Orleans Riverfront Development
New Orleans is known for its distinctive riverfront architecture, which is partially made possible due to the deep waters of the Mississippi. Many of the city’s iconic buildings, such as the Steamboat Natchez, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas and the French Market, are all within a short distance of the river. The deep waters of the river have also enabled the development of many waterfront restaurants and hotels.
Future of the Mississippi River
Experts believe that the future of the Mississippi River will largely depend on water management, future development projects and climate change. As the river’s water levels continue to vary, the surrounding communities will need to adjust accordingly. In addition, climate change is expected to significantly impact the Mississippi due to higher concentrations of pollutants and increased flooding events. The state and federal government will need to collaborate to create policies and regulations to protect the Mississippi and the communities that depend on it.
Potential Positive and Negative Impacts
The deep waters of the Mississippi have enabled sustained economic and cultural growth in New Orleans. The result has been an increase in trade and tourism, resulting in more jobs and additional tax revenue. Nonetheless, deeper waters could lead to increased pollution, as pollutants can more easily flow downstream, impacting the health of the river and its inhabitants. Additionally, the deep waters can facilitate flooding, which can cause serious damage to the cities along the river.
New Orleans Shipping Industry
The deep waters of the Mississippi River make it an ideal shipping route, allowing commercial vessels to easily traverse its waters. Since the river has been dredged, larger vessels can access major ports in the Gulf of Mexico and connect to other cities on the river. New Orleans is now one of the largest port cities in the country and serves as an important international hub for commercial shipping.
Cultural Significance
The Mississippi River carries immense cultural significance in the United States, especially in the Deep South. For centuries, residents have relied on the river for sustenance, transportation, and commerce. Additionally, many of the Deep South’s most famous folk and jazz songs are focused on the Mississippi River and its importance to the region’s culture.
Tourism Along the Mississippi
Tourism is big business along the Mississippi River and New Orleans is one of the top tourist destinations in the U.S. The unique architecture and diverse cultural history of the city attract millions of visitors each year. Additionally, the Mississippi is home to many popular parks, recreational centers, and wildlife reservations. These areas offer tourists the opportunity to explore the wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the river.
