The Mississippi River in Memphis is an iconic waterway, with a rich and diverse history of exploration and commerce that significantly shaped the world. The river continues to provide electricity for many residents of Memphis, and contributes to the lifeblood of the city. In recent years Memphis has been experiencing a dry spell, leading to lower river levels and a decrease in water flow.
Memphis receives an average of 48.6 inches of rain per year, but over the last two years the total precipitation has dropped by 20%. This decrease in rainfall has caused the Mississippi River in Memphis to reach its lowest level since 1994. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers measure the river level at the Memphis harbor and report a current level of -2.89 feet. To put this in perspective, the Great Flood of 1927 saw the river reach a record crest of 48.7 feet.
The effect of the low river level is compounded by the drought conditions across the Southeastern United States. As areas upstream on the Mississippi River have dried up, less water is flowing downstream towards Memphis. This has caused banks of the river to dry up in some areas, leading to the loss of aquatic plants and wildlife that rely on the river for survival. In order for the water level to stabilize, the city would need an above-average amount of rainfall.
Of course, Memphis is not the only city feeling the effects of the low river levels. Shipping traffic is also affected, as barge operators are now limited on what they can carry due to lower shipping channels. The Corps of Engineers has had to close parts of the Mississippi River between Cairo, Illinois, and Woodland, Arkansas due to low river levels.
The loss of the river is not only an environmental issue but also a concern for Memphis’ economy. In recent years the city has experienced a drop in tourism due to the low river levels. Hotels and other businesses that rely on river traffic have seen a decrease in customers due to their inability to provide the same level of service.
The City of Memphis is taking steps to mitigate the effects of the river’s low levels. A recent initiative called “Make Memphis Water Wise” has set a goal to reduce water usage by 20% over the next five years. The city is also working closely with federal and state agencies such as the Corps of Engineers to monitor the river and implement emergency plans if levels become too low.
Climate Change
As climate change continues to wreak havoc on weather patterns, drastic and long-term changes in the nation’s water availability are becoming increasingly apparent. In Memphis, the impact of climate change is seen in the form of temperatures rising and rainfall becoming more unpredictable. To make matters worse, parts of the Mississippi River watershed have been experiencing an extended drought and with little rainfall to replenish the river, the water levels will continue to drop.
Many experts have been studying the impacts of climate change on the river’s ecosystem, and the results are worrying. Rising temperatures have caused the water to warm up, which has led to an increase in algal blooms that can have an adverse effect on aquatic life. Warmer water can also increase the rate of evaporation, leading to even lower river levels in the summer months.
But Memphis residents are not powerless in the fight against climate change. The city is encouraging people to get involved and take steps to conserve water and reduce their environmental footprint. Planting native perennials, using recycled materials, and purchasing items with less energy consumption are all-important ways to help save the environment. Residents can also use rain barrels and rain gardens to collect and store water during the rainy season to help keep the river flowing.
Economic Impact
Lower river levels can have a lasting and devastating impact on businesses, economies and livelihoods in the Memphis area. With river transportation at a low, the cost of goods being imported and exported along the river is considerably higher. This also affects businesses such as restaurants, hotels, and casinos that thrive on river-based trade and tourists. The lack of tourism due to the low river levels has had a significant impact on the city’s economy and many businesses are feeling the financial strain.
To help offset this economic impact, the city has been implementing various initiatives to bolster local industries and businesses. These have included grants, tax incentives, and mentorship programs to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. The city has also launched a business incubator and established a business assistance center to provide guidance and resources to business owners.
In addition, the city has made a concerted effort to promote water-related activities such as fishing and boating. These activities draw eco-tourists to the river and help to create economic stability in the region, while increasing awareness of critical environmental issues.
Restoring the River
Restoring the Mississippi River in Memphis to a healthy and vibrant ecosystem is a long and arduous process. Mobilizing locals and raising awareness are key components to water conservation in the region. City leaders have been emphasizing the importance of responsible water use, as well as introducing new technologies to help with water conservation.
In addition, the city has initiated cleanup initiatives such as riverbank cleanup days and focus group events to reduce the amount of debris and pollutants in the river. These initiatives help reduce erosion and pollution of the waterway.
Memphis has also sought to create partnerships with universities and other organizations to promote research and develop policies and regulations for protecting the river. These collaborative efforts help increase knowledge of the river’s ecosystem and promote strategies for sustainable water management.
Engaging the public
The City of Memphis has also been using creative methods to engage the public and teach them about the importance of water conservation. Educational programs have been created to educate people of all ages about water conservation and the environmental impact of low river levels.
The city has also created an interactive website, with information about protecting and preserving the river. The website includes resources for residents to access, such as an online water management calculator, which can help people monitor their water usage and make more informed decisions about their water usage.
In addition, city leaders have organized public forums to discuss the challenges facing the river and how they can be resolved. Educational booths and events have been setup in public spaces to increase public knowledge of water conservation methods.
Conclusion
Lower river levels are having a devastating impact on the people, economy and environment of Memphis. However, citizens of the city are taking steps to restore the river and mitigate the effects of the drought. If we all continue to take small steps towards conserving water and educating ourselves on the importance of this resource, we can all make a difference in preserving the Mississippi River in Memphis.
