Mississippi River is a major river system in the United States, with a total of more than 2,340 miles of waterways. It is the fourth longest river in the world, and the second longest within the United States. It has been an important source of freshwater, commerce, recreation and transportation for centuries, and is a vital ecological resource for the region.
The Mississippi River has many sources, 10 in fact. The largest source of water for the Mississippi is the Missouri River, whose headwaters are located in the Rocky Mountains. The other sources are the White, St. Francis, Ouachita, Red, Black, Ohio, and Illinois rivers, providing much of the water that flows down the Mississippi.
So how much water is actually flowing down the Mississippi? According to the U.S. Geological Survey, there are about 600 million gallons of water in the Mississippi River each day. That’s enough to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool about 25,000 times in a single day.
The water flowing through the Mississippi River is used for many different things. It serves as a source for drinking water for more than 18 million people, irrigation for 8.5 million acres of farmland, more than 30,000 miles of navigation channels, and many other purposes. But it’s important to note that the water is a shared resource, and its health and usage are monitored simultaneously by multiple state and federal agencies.
The amount of water in the Mississippi River can vary dramatically depending on the season. During the summer months, the river’s rate of flow can drop as much as 25 percent or more. This is because prolonged periods of hot, dry weather reduce the amount of water flowing downstream. Conversely, during the winter months the flow of the Mississippi can increase by as much as 20 percent or more due to the heavy snowmelt and high levels of precipitation.
In addition to the amount of water in the Mississippi River, there is also the issue of water quality. Although the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has established water-quality standards for the Mississippi River, pollution from agricultural runoff and other sources continues to pose a challenge for clean waterways. Measures are continuously being taken to reduce water pollution, but it is still an ongoing concern.
Learn About The Mississippi River Basin
The Mississippi River Basin is a vast watershed created by the various arteries that form the Mississippi River system. The basin encompasses 1,245,844 square miles, with more than 41 percent of the continental United States draining into the area. This includes nearly all of 31 states and two Canadian provinces, which are connected by the largest system of inland waterways in the world. The diversity and size of the basin is a testament to the importance of the river and its many tributaries that power one of the world’s largest economies and provide recreation and food for millions of people.
Activities Along The Mississippi River
The Mississippi River has long been a source of recreation and entertainment for generations of Americans, and today it is no different. From camping and fishing along its banks, to larger-scale attractions like civil war themed cruises, there’s something for everyone. People come from near and far to experience the wonders of the mighty Mississippi, and to enjoy the scenery along its many routes.
The Mississippi River and its tributaries also serve as a major destination for a variety of wildlife. From bald eagles to wild turkeys, the river is home to some of the most diverse and abundant populations of fish, birds and other animals in the United States. The diversity of the area and its ecosystems are a prime reason why so many people visit the MS River.
The Mississippi River also serves as a vital transportation route for the area. Barges, ferries and ships of all sizes ply its waters, moving goods from one point to another. This is great for businesses, but it also means more pressure on the river from increased pollution from shipping and other sources.
The Mississippi River In Pop Culture
Over the years, the Mississippi River has been featured prominently in literature, film, television and music. It’s no surprise that such an iconic river has inspired such vivid creativity in the human imagination. From “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” to “Wild at Heart”, the Mississippi River has long held a special place in our collective awareness.
In recent years, the river has been a popular setting for reality television shows, music videos and other productions. Regardless of the medium, the Mississippi River has been celebrated for its beauty, significance and power.
For those looking to experience this iconic river, there is no shortage of options. There are hundreds of boat tours and cruises available that can bring you up close and personal with the river itself. If you’re looking to get a taste of its history and culture, then why not head over to its various ports and cities along the length of the river such as St. Louis, MN, Memphis, TN and New Orleans, LA.
Conservation Efforts Of The Mississippi River
With growing population and industry, the Mississippi River’s health has been put under increasing stress. As a result, several organizations have been hard at work to improve the river’s health and restore it to its former glory.
The Mississippi River Consortium is an example of such an organization. Founded in 1988, it is a group of non-profit organizations devoted to the conservation and restoration of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The Consortium works closely with federal, state and local governments to ensure that the river is managed and protected in a way that is sustainable.
Similarly, the Mississippi River Watershed Alliance is another group that that is dedicated to protecting and restoring the health of the river. Established in 2009, the MRWA is a coalition of more than 90 organizations, businesses and individuals that are focused on conserving the natural resource for future generations.
A number of other organizations have also sprung up in recent years with the express purpose of restoring and preserving the Mississippi River. These include the Mississippi River Network, the Mississippi River City program and the Mississippi River Fund.
Mississippi River Tourism
The Mississippi River has always been an important part of American culture and history, and today it remains an essential source of life for many. As a result, many travelers visit the area, eager to take in the sights of this majestic river.
The area around the Mississippi River is bustling with activity, offering a variety of experiences and sites to explore. In Minnesota and Wisconsin, visitors can explore the Great River Road and visit the many historic sites that run along its length.
In Louisiana, visitors can take advantage of the local music culture, explore the wetlands and take a paddle boat tour of the swamps. If you’re looking for something to do while in the area, then be sure to check out the music festivals that run throughout the year.
The city of Memphis, TN is another popular destination for visitors hoping to experience the Mississippi River. The area is home to the famous Memphis river walk, a 3.5 mile stretch of boardwalks on the banks of the river. It’s also home to the Memphis blues and barbecue festivals, offering tourists a real taste of the local culture.
Conclusion Of Mississippi River Pollution
Despite the efforts of organizations and individuals to clean up the Mississippi River, it is still a work in progress. Water pollution continues to be a major problem, and while restoration projects are making a difference, there is still much work to be done.
The hope is that, through the combined efforts of everyone involved, the future of the Mississippi River will be secured for years to come. With the right strategy and practices, the river will continue to serve us for generations to come.
