Introduction
The Mississippi River is among the most important rivers in America not just for trade, but also for the drinking water provided for the communities and cities along its banks. The purpose of the dams built on the river over the years has been to control the water level, create electricity, and provide industrial and agricultural benefits. As of 2021, there are more than 25 dams on the river, all providing these and many other benefits.
Background
The Mississippi River’s dams have a rich and varied history, as many of them were built on a piecemeal basis since the 1960s. The original construction of most of the dams was driven by the need to regulate water levels in order to facilitate navigation and irrigation, as well as the need for hydroelectric energy. Through the years, modifications to the dams have been made to better regulate the river for commercial navigation, flood control, and dedicated recreation. As of 2020, the Mississippi River is known to many as a tourist destination, with its famous attractions such as the Mississippi Headwaters.
Data and Facts
The number of dams on the Mississippi River had grown over the years both with the original needs of controlling its waters and also with the growth of industry, more and more businesses seeking to utilize the water’s hydroelectric power. Out of the 25 dams, 10 are located in Minnesota. The remaining 15 dams are in the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Mississippi. The main navigation lock and dam on the river is the Upper St Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in Minnesota, located upstream of the main navigation channel. This is the busiest and most operationally complicated of all the river’s dams. The other dams downstream of here are mainly used for controlling water levels and limited recreational purposes.
Expert’s Perspective
Experts agree that most of the dams on the Mississippi River are both beneficial and necessary for its many uses. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Mississippi River dams provide essential services and resources to those upstream and downstream, including the natural and economic benefits of clean water, fisheries, agricultural irrigation, and energy production. Additionally, the river’s dams help protect communities along the banks from flooding. William Lushka, chief natural resources officer for the state of Iowa, emphasizes the importance of the dams in mitigating “catastrophic floods”, as well as in providing clean drinking water for human consumption.
Environmental Impact
The impacts of the Mississippi River dams on the environment have been mainly positive, as they are mainly used to regulate water flows, irrigate farmland, and create hydroelectric power stations. However, the dams have also caused some disruption to the water’s ecosystems. According to the US Geological Survey, the construction of dams has blocked the river’s natural migratory flows, leading to decreased fish and wildlife populations. Additionally, the USGS advises that sediment buildup around the dams could lead to an increase in pollutants entering the water supply.
Socioeconomic Impact
The Mississippi’s dams have had both direct and indirect effects on the economy, particularly in regard to trade and transportation. According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the dams on the Mississippi have contributed to the economic success of the cities that have been established along the river for centuries, with the navigation lock and dams allowing for more efficient transportation of goods. Economically, the river is also integral to the agricultural industry, as dams create reservoirs and form an important part of the irrigation systems for the agricultural fields.
Analysis and Own Insights
The Mississippi River and its network of dams are vital to the economy and culture of the United States. Not only do the networks and dams serve to provide the cities and states along the river’s banks with resources such as water, they also act as barriers to mitigate flooding and maintain navigation. The travel and tourism industry has seen considerable growth due to the development of the dams along the Mississippi, while the dams provide important hydropower and resources for industry, agriculture, and other businesses. Through the network of dams, the river has become an important part of American life.
Upcoming Challenges
The dams along the Mississippi River have been in operation for many years now, and so there are some upcoming challenges in terms of maintaining and improving them. The corrosion of materials caused by the river’s water, as well as the need to replace worn out and older parts is an important issue to consider. Additionally, the sediment buildup around the dams can present a risk, requiring regular dredging to ensure the efficiency of the river’s navigation channels, as well as the dams. This means that investment will be required to ensure the upkeep of all 25 existing dams, as well as any future projects.
Climate Change Impacts
One of the major challenges that the network of dams across the Mississippi River is facing is the effects of climate change. Over the years, increased precipitation, higher temperatures, and sea level rise have caused changes in the amount and speed of water running through the river. This, coupled with the increased frequency of flooding, can have a dramatic effect on the dams, particularly in regard to the volume and speed of the water running over them. The techniques and equipment used by the US Army Corps to control and operate the dams must be regularly monitored and updated in order to keep up with the shifting environment and mitigate the effects of climate change.
Dam Maintenance and Upgrades
The maintenance and upgrade of the dams along the Mississippi River is something that will continue to be necessary in the coming years. All of the dams perform a unique function, requiring the right equipment and personnel to ensure the efficient and safe operation of them. In order to remain up to date and effective, the US Army Corps of Engineers regularly inspects and upgrades the facilities. This includes studies and assessments of the dams, aimed at improving their safety and effectiveness.
Long Term Investment
Finally, although the Mississippi River’s dams provide essential services, the long-term investments in them remain uncertain. As of 2021, continued funding for upgrades and maintenance is a major concern for many stakeholders. The US Army Corps of Engineers, as well as state and federal governments have been working hard to come up with solutions for this, particularly in regard to securing adequate funding for repair and upkeep works which often require considerable financial resources. Without proper investment and support, the Mississippi River dams may become inefficient and unsafe in the future.
