Background Information
Lake Mead is a man-made reservoir located on the Colorado River and is the largest body of water by volume in the United States. It was created in 1935 with the completion of the Hoover Dam, part of the Boulder Canyon Project. Located on the state line of Nevada and Arizona, the lake extends into California and is the primary source of water for the Las Vegas metropolitan area. While the lake is heavily-used for recreational activities such as fishing, boat tours, marinas, camping, and sightseeing, its presence also helps to supply a significant portion of the southwest United States’ electricity.
Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an iconic body of water that runs through 10 different states. Starting in Minnesota, it meanders 2,509 miles before eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico in Louisiana. According to the National Park Service, it is the fourth longest river in the world and “has the most diverse ecosystem of any North American river.” Servicing multiple industries — from hydroelectric power generation and transportation to agriculture, fisheries, and recreation — it is one of the country’s most important economic and cultural resources.
Location Comparison
A quick glance at a map reveals that Lake Mead is located far away from the Mississippi River. The two locations are separated by more than 1,500 miles, meaning it would take more than 30 hours to drive from one to the other. If a person was to fly, the distance could be covered in just 1.5 hours on a non-stop flight. Although the two water bodies could not be further apart, they are both part of the same extensive river system.
Relevance To Water Supply
Experts believe that Lake Mead is indirectly part of the Mississippi River’s water supply, since it is fed directly into the Colorado River. Specifically, the Gulf of Mexico provides about 75% of the river’s nitrogen-rich water and is then released into the Colorado River — which eventually ends up at Lake Mead. Reports from the Bureau of Reclamation have indicated that this process has allowed the lake’s water level to decline 11 percent between 2012 and 2016.
Environmental Impact
According to a leading wood science research center, the Mississippi River is “critical to downstream water supply and quality.” Experts say that this could be heavily impacted if Lake Mead were to suffer from increased water shortages. Apart from the obvious economic implications, the health of the environment could also be put at risk depending on the severity of the drought. This means that both the Colorado and Mississippi river systems need to be monitored and managed responsibly.
American Southwest Region
The American southwest region is home to some of the most unique topography and wildlife in the United States. This diversity is supported by the natural water cycle of the area, which is greatly impacted by Lake Mead and the Mississippi River. Environmental organizations often point out that with this well-balanced ecosystem comes a “substantial socio-economic value.” Without access to quality water, the entire regional landscape could be drastically impacted.
Water Management
In response to the potential water crisis, some states along the Mississippi River have begun to take water management plans seriously. In Arizona, for example, the Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (“WIFA”) provides funding for infrastructure projects related to water and wastewater management. This includes Water Use Efficiency Plans, which are designed to enhance water-use efficiency while promoting conservation efforts.
Environmental Science Solutions
As water levels in Lake Mead continue to decline, directors and researchers in the field of environmental science are now looking for innovative methods to help re-establish a healthy balance between the Colorado River and the Mississippi River. As a result, some universities are now offering research-based courses and workshops to educate professionals on how to effectively manage limited water resources. These programs give students the opportunity to gain knowledge on how water systems interact with each other, and develop strategies for preserving the environment in the process.
Conclusion
Despite the fact that Lake Mead and the Mississippi River are separated by thousands of miles, there is still a direct connection between the two water systems. The importance of this connection can not be overstated, as the health of the environment and the sustainability of water resources in the lower-southwestern United States are greatly dependent on water levels in Lake Mead. Steps are being taken to develop effective water management plans, especially in the case of extreme drought. As long as these plans are enforced, the hope is that both the Colorado and Mississippi Rivers will remain healthy and resilient.
