Water is an essential part of life. From drinking it, to sustaining a lake or entire watershed, even to supporting an aquatic ecosystem, it’s clear that water is the lifeblood of the planet. One of the most impressive and storied rivers in the world is the mighty Mississippi. People often wonder exactly how much water is contained within its impressive volume, and the answer may surprise you.
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) offers in-depth data on the perceived volume of the Mississippi River. In fact, based on their calculations, the volume typically ranges at any given time between 500,000 and 675,000 cubic feet of water per second. When you take into consideration all of the main tributaries and branch rivers that are included in Mississippi River measurements, the volume of water can be mind-boggling.
Converting cubic feet per second into gallons per second (for more standard practical measurements), we find that the Mississippi River holds around 850 million gallons of water at any given time. That’s the equivalent of two-thirds of an Olympic swimming pool, every second! Utilizing the same calculations, and looking at the entire length of the Mississippi River, the total amount of water held can be extrapolated to around 280 trillion gallons.
Experts argue that this amount of water is presumably enough to provide every person in the world with a single gallon for nearly 50 days. This isn’t a sustainable scenario, as it doesn’t account for the natural usage cycles of a river, and the amount of water held isn’t even adequate to support the varying eco-systems and locales within the Mississippi River basin, but it does show the immense, impressive power held by this river, and what an important part it plays throughout the world.
Groundwater Level
While 280 trillion gallons of water is quite a staggering number, it is only a fraction of the total water volume that exists beneath the surface of the Midwest, as well as the rest of the United States. Groundwater in the Midwest is largely found in two major areas, the Mississippi Embayment and the Michigan Basin. In the Mississippi Embayment, the estimated gross aquifer volume is 8 trillion gallons, while its estimate in the Michigan Basin is nearly 2.8 trillion gallons. Much of the remainder of the lower 48 states make up the Coastal Plain Aquifer, with an estimate of around 2.1 trillion gallons.
It’s important to note that not all of this water is held in the Mississippi River itself. Much of the total groundwater in the United States is found throughout each respective state, in a variety of both natural and man-made embankments and aquifers, with significant portions held inland, such as throughout the Great Lakes. Thus, the amount of water in the Mississippi River itself may be actually much lower than initially estimated.
Uses of the River Water
In addition to its breathtaking majesty, the Mississippi River is an invaluable source of water used across the country. The river’s total volume, and particularly its share of groundwater, is a major source of resource allocation throughout the Great Lakes region. The region ranks as the top five leading agricultural producers in the world, relying on the river’s water to irrigate their crops, as well as to supply their animals.
The river is also used as a source of drinking water, both directly and indirectly, by communities throughout and in addition to the Great Lakes area. As such, it is necessary that the river is protected and cared for, both to ensure its capability to provide a steady supply of water for current generations, as well as for those to come.
Preserving the River
In addition to the USGS, many organizations have come together to study, and if necessary, reduce the risk of water pollution in the Mississippi River basin. This proactive effort is essential to ensuring that the resource continues to be viable for many decades to come. For example, the International Joint Commission, part of the International Watersheds Initiative (IWI), works to protect and manage the Great Lakes and their associated waterways, to maintain the area’s aquatic ecosystem, as well as its wellbeing as a source of drinking water.
The IWI, along with other local and international organizations, continuously monitors the quality of the water found in the river. This monitoring includes checking salinity levels, pollution levels, and nutrient content, as well as any other unusual substances that may enter the river. In addition, their expert ecologists also actively monitor the effects of recreational usage and other similar activities, to make sure that the river’s overall condition is in the best shape possible.
Making a Difference
The amount of water in the Mississippi River basin provides an immense amount of water resources. For example, the entire watershed is responsible for supplying drinking water for millions of people across North America, and is essential for the continued sustenance of local wildlife. When it comes to taking care of this valuable resource, each person can make their own small contribution. From reducing waste and utilizing environmentally friendly products, to volunteering with local organizations and helping to monitor the river’s condition, even the smallest of actions have a big potential to help further protect the Mississippi River.
Clean Water Act
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated the Clean Water Act in 1972. This Act helps to ensure that bodies of water, including the Mississippi River, are not contaminated or become unacceptable for purposes such as drinking or bathing. For example, the Clean Water Act states that it is illegal to discharge any type of ‘pollutant’ into navigable waterways. This includes sewage and waste, but also covers chemicals, other trace compounds and materials, and even soil runoff.
In addition to prohibiting the discharge of pollutants, the Act also mandates that water resource agencies maintain certain standards of water clarity, such as minimum dissolved oxygen levels. By doing so, the EPA is working to manage the water’s health, and hopefully in turn prevent the river from becoming contaminated over time.
Conclusion:
The Mississippi River is an impressive feat of engineering and an important resource for many Americans. It has been estimated that the amount of water contained in the Mississippi River is around 280 trillion gallons. Of this, a portion of the total is held in various aquifers, while the remainder is contained in the river itself. By maintaining a healthy river, we can continue to benefit from its water for many years to come. It’s important to remember that, with a little effort and dedication, we can help to protect our precious resources for the generations to come.
