Overview
The Mississippi River is one of the longest and most important waterways in the United States. Spanning 2,320 miles, the Mississippi River touches the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. It is the only river in the country that is wholly located within the borders of the United States. Along its journey, the river passes through 10 states, 2 major cities, and 31 major tributaries. Oftentimes referred to as the heart of America, the Mississippi has a significant presence throughout the country, both historically and environmentally. So how many gallons of water is actually contained within the Mississippi River?
Amount of Water in Mississippi River
The Mississippi River’s water capacity varies from season to season and from year to year. In flood season, the capacity or its volume is increased experiencing sudden and dramatic changes. However, the river can hold an average of 783 billion cubic meters when it is not in flood. This means that, if we convert the units, it can hold about 206,417,232,398 gallons of water in total. Considering the comparative amount is about twice of an average swimming pool in the U.S., it is an incredible volume.
In addition to its immense capacity, the Mississippi River is also extremely powerful. The river has the power to carry enough water to fill more than 6.5 million Olympic-sized swimming pools each day. This is because the water of the Mississippi River runs at approximately 4,530 cubic meters a second.
Importance of Mississippi River
Because of its size and capacity, the Mississippi River is one of the most important waterways in the United States. The river provides 30 states with drinking water and provides a number of important ecosystems with numerous habitats. It also serves as an important transportation artery for freight and passenger barge traffic. The river is also credited with playing a role in the developing of the culture of the United States.
The Mississippi River has been the backbone for tremendous changes in the region throughout the century with both progress and destruction. The huge volume of water flowing through the region has resulted in important economic, cultural and social impacts in the region. The inception of water resources management in the 19th century led to a crop of new technologies, such as dredging, hydraulic engineering and irrigation, which allowed us to adapt to the river’s powerful flow, reduce damages, and gain more water in the form of levees.
Environmental Consequences
Despite the huge environmental benefits which the Mississippi River provides, there are some negative environmental consequences which have been caused by over-utilizing the river and its resources. One of the most important of these is the river’s slowed-down flow. The dams and locks on the river, which were installed during the 19th century, effectively slow down the river’s water capacity. Unfortunately, this slow-down has also caused detrimental environmental consequences.
In addition, due to the human influence on the river, the Mississippi River has also become a leader in water pollution. Despite the efforts of locals, government and ecological initiatives, the river is still subjected to a tremendous amount of human-caused pollution. From industrial and household waste to heavy metals and agricultural runoff, it is no surprise that the Mississippi is one of the most polluted rivers in the United States.
Conclusion
From its huge water capacity to its important role for the economy, culture, and ecology of the region, the Mississippi River is an irreplaceable and integral part of America. However, despite its importance, the Mississippi River is still subjected to human-caused pollution, which shows the need to invest in more robust water conservation and management strategies. The Mississippi River may be a resource of tremendous value, but it is also a reminder of how precious and valuable water really is.
