The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in America, but what many don’t know is that the River is actually quite low right now. In fact, the Mississippi is at its fourth lowest level in history, dropping over 20 feet since its peak in April of last year. The low water levels are causing concern for the hundreds of people and organizations that depend on the River.
The Mississippi River is a major source of freshwater for the United States. More than 60 million Americans rely on the River for drinking water, irrigation, and other uses. The low levels of the River also have significant impacts on the environment, as well as on crucial medical supplies, agricultural products, oil, and electricity.
The River’s low levels are due in part to heavy rains throughout the Midwest and Glacier National Park in Montana. The sudden influx of water caused the Mississippi to swell last spring, and propelled it to its highest recorded level since 1950. As the excess water from the floods has subsided, the River has dropped to a range more typical of a late summer or fall—but with no flood to replenish the River, the level appears unlikely to change anytime soon.
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which monitors the River and manages the locks and dams that go along with it, is considering ways to mitigate the low levels. One idea the Corps is considering is using the lakes, reservoirs, and dam releases to provide an additional supply of water to the River. However, the USACE’s plans remain uncertain and the outlook for the River is still unclear.
Experts warn that the River’s low levels may have far-reaching and serious implications. As the water level continues to drop, navigation along the Mississippi could be affected—threatening the livelihoods of thousands of businesses and individuals that rely on the River’s commercial navigation. The River’s low levels may also cause increased algae and bacteria accumulations, threatening wildlife and contaminating the water supply.
In addition to the USACE’s ideas, many local initiatives in communities along the River have emerged in an effort to conserve water and protect the River. From everyday citizens to businesses and government agencies, these initiatives illustrate the importance of the Mississippi and the unique set of challenges its current low levels present.
Despite the challenges posed by the River, locals remain hopeful. After all, the River’s low levels are a part of its history—by some measures, the River’s 2019 levels were its fourth lowest on record. But as the River’s longstanding role in the United States continues, how will the Mississippi adapt to its new normal?
Effects on Agriculture
The Mississippi’s low water levels are causing significant distress to the agricultural industry along the River. The lack of water has left the River unable to transport goods and people, which has, in turn, made it more difficult and expensive for local farmers to move their produce and livestock, as well as to obtain equipment and supplies.
Meanwhile, the decrease in water has put a strain on the natural ecosystems of the River, impacting the habitats of fish, amphibians, and other aquatic creatures. A drop in the water level of the Mississippi has also caused aquatic weeds to spread and grow faster, clogging up the River and making it difficult to use it as a waterway.
Agriculture also suffers from reduced flood protection. The lack of additional water makes it more difficult to prevent flooding caused by heavy rains. This causes extensive damage to the soil, which affects farming and other types of agriculture. In addition, with less water available the River’s navigability is reduced, which limits the amount of goods that can be transported and could lead to a decline in economic activity.
As a result of the low water levels, the communities along the River have been adversely affected. Many businesses and farms have been hard hit by the lack of water, leading to decreased yields and losses from crop and livestock production.
Drought Impact
The Mississippi’s low water levels are the result of a prolonged drought along the River. The Mississippi Basin has experienced a string of dry years over the past decade, with water levels remaining much lower than normal. Despite this, experts have not yet considered the Mississippi to be in a full-blown drought due to the size of the River’s watershed and its use of runoff as a source of water.
The drought has also affected water levels in the other larger rivers in the region such as the Ohio, Arkansas, and Missouri. The decrease in water levels of these rivers has caused decreased flow downstream, pushing the Mississippi even lower. As a result, many of the locks and dams that the USACE uses to control the water levels have been rendered ineffective.
The decrease in water levels has also meant decreased production of hydroelectricity at many power plants along the River. Without the water to generate electricity, power plants have been forced to reduce output or shut down completely, affecting thousands of people and causing increased electricity costs for energy customers.
The drought has been especially hard on farmers and ranchers that rely on the River for irrigation and livestock water needs. The reduced water levels have made it difficult to retain enough water for farming and raising livestock. This has forced many of them to sell their cattle and cease production due to the lack of water.
Strategies to Address the Problem
The current low levels of the Mississippi have caused a great deal of concern among those that rely on the River for their livelihoods and those that are dependent upon it for its various benefits. As a result, many different strategies have been proposed to address the issue.
The USACE has been in the forefront of finding solutions and has proposed building new locks and dams in order to regulate the water levels and keep the River navigable for commercial purposes. Additionally, the USACE has been looking into ways to control water levels more efficiently by utilizing reservoirs and lakes to supply water to the River.
Other strategies have included improving access to water downstream and controlling drainage and runoff upstream. This would help to ensure the water available is used optimally and reduce the impact of floods and droughts on the water levels.
The state governments of the Mississippi watershed have also proposed strategies to conserve and manage water. Several states have enacted legislation that encourages water conservation and management practices and takes steps to address the long-term sustainability of the River.
The effects of the Mississippi’s low water levels are severe and wide-reaching, but these strategies provide hope that the River can be returned to its full potential and that its unique resources can be restored for generations to come.
Economic and Social Impact
The low water levels of the Mississippi have had a profound effect on the economy and society of the communities along the River. Businesses that have relied on the River for transportation and other purposes have been negatively impacted by the decreased levels, resulting in job losses and decreased revenues.
The Mississippi also provides crucial habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife. The decrease in water levels has killed off some species and caused others to migrate, leading to a depletion of the River’s biodiversity. Additionally, the decreased water levels have made it harder for wildlife to find food and shelter, reducing their populations.
The environmental, economic, and social impacts of the Mississippi’s low water levels are wide-reaching, with long-term implications that may not be apparent at the present. As the River continues to drop, businesses, governments, and individuals must come up with solutions that can preserve the River’s health and benefit those who rely on it.
Future of the Mississippi
The low water levels of the Mississippi are cause for concern, but there is also optimism about the future of the River. If solutions are found to address the current issues, the Mississippi could be restored to its full glory and continue to provide benefits to those that rely on it.
One of the most promising solutions is a shift from the traditional use of dams and locks to a greater focus on storage and conservation. Many believe a more comprehensive approach to water management and conservation will ensure that the maximum amount of water is available for use, while also minimizing negative impacts on the environment.
The development of new technologies, such as desalination and wastewater recycling, could also help increase the River’s water levels. These technologies could reduce or eliminate the need for dams and locks, allowing more of the water in the River to remain available for use.
Ultimately, the future of the Mississippi is uncertain, but the potential solutions provide hope. With the right strategies and technologies, the River could be restored to its former glory and continue to provide benefits to its many users.
