Located in West Tennessee, near the Tennessee-Mississippi border, Memphis is known for its blues music, barbeques, and its proximity to the Mighty Mississippi River. Memphis has long been a center for trade and transportation along the river, and in recent years, the impact of low water levels has been a serious concern for the city.
In the summer of 2019, the Mississippi River at Memphis was running at an especially low depth of approximately 8 feet. This represented a drop from the usual average of 11 feet, lower than any time since records first began to be taken in the 1940s. This significant decrease presented a significant challenge to the Memphis economy.
The low water levels put a halt to commercial barge traffic on the Mississippi River at Memphis, which accounts for roughly 1.5 million tons of freight each year and is an important part of the local economy. This, in turn, led to a decrease in employment opportunities, as businesses relying on the river became less profitable.
The main reason for the low water levels was found to be the drought that had been affecting the region for several years prior. This drought, in turn, was attributed to climate change, a phenomenon that is causing significant concern worldwide. In order to address the low water levels, Memphis officials are reportedly considering several solutions, including more efficient water management, dredging, and increasing rainfall.
In addition, experts are pressing the importance to local authorities of investing in more sustainable water management. This would entail more efficient management of current water resources, such as increased reservoir and groundwater storage, as well as improved management of water reclamation and wastewater management.
Furthermore, some are advocating for the city to shift towards a more water-conscious lifestyle. This entails citizens being conscious of their water usage, from taking shorter showers to planting drought-resistant plants in their yards.
Finally, Memphis is exploring the possibility of establishing an emergency fund to help local businesses affected by low Mississippi River levels. While nothing has yet been finalized, the city is hopeful that it can find a solution to help those affected and minimize the financial impact of the Mississippi River’s low levels.
What Causes Low River Levels?
Low waters levels in rivers can be caused by a variety of factors, among them natural changes in rainfall amounts, unnatural changes such as the building of dams and levees, and changes in the climate. In the case of the Mississippi River at Memphis, the most recent decrease was caused by a drought brought on by climate change.
In some cases, a decrease in river levels can be beneficial, as it can become easier to navigate shallow waters and reduce downstream flooding. However, at the same time, a decrease in river levels can directly impact businesses, as the river becomes impassable for barges.
The Impact of Low Mississippi River Levels on Memphis
The low Mississippi River levels at Memphis are having a serious impact on local businesses. Most notably, this decrease in depth has affected the amount of freight that is being transported along the river as commercial barge traffic is rendered impassable. This, in turn, leads to a decrease in employment opportunities, as businesses that rely on the river become less profitable.
In addition, the low water levels have caused concern among city officials, who are now exploring solutions to address the decreasing levels. These solutions include more efficient water management, as well as increasing rainfall.
Solutions for Low Mississippi River Levels in Memphis
The key to addressing the low river levels in Memphis is to develop more sustainable water management practices. This would involve diverting more water from the nearby Mississippi River and into reservoirs or underground aquifers. Additionally, improved water reclamation technology could be utilized to make better use of the water that is already available.
In addition to more efficient water management technologies, changes in citizens’ lifestyles could also make a difference. This could include more mindful water usage, such as taking shorter showers, replacing lawns with drought-resistant gardens, and only washing full loads of laundry.
Finally, Memphis is looking into the possibility of creating an emergency fund to help local businesses affected by low river levels
Effects of Global Warming
Low Mississippi River levels in Memphis are one of many impacts of global warming on the area. As temperatures rise, the amount of water evaporating from rivers is increasing. This, in turn, leads to lower river levels, as rivers simply don’t have as much water to transport. Additionally, global warming has caused more severe droughts in some areas, leading to even drier rivers.
Global warming is also affecting other parts of the world, particularly in coastal areas. Rising sea levels have caused flooding in many places, and this could become a serious issue for Memphis if it continues to grow. This is why addressing the issue of global warming is now more important than ever.
The Future of the Mississippi River at Memphis
As the effects of climate change become more apparent, Memphis and its citizens are facing a significant challenge. However, by utilizing sustainable water management practices, they can mitigate the negative economic effects of low river levels. Additionally, more efficient water usage could help reduce the strain on the environment and make Memphis a more sustainable city.
Ultimately, low Mississippi River levels are a serious issue for Memphis, but with the right solutions, it can remain a vibrant and prosperous city for future generations.
