The Mississippi River is an important waterway, providing a vital source of drinking water, irrigation, and transport for many states along its course. The major contributor of water to the river, however, is the upper Midwest, particularly Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. In this article, we’ll explore further how many states contribute water to the Mississippi River, and discuss the relevant data, perspectives from experts, and other insights about this important topic.
The largest contributor of fresh water to the Mississippi River is the Upper Mississippi River Basin. This area spans across five states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri – and a portion of North Dakota, totaling 44,900 square miles. In this area, rain and snowmelt contribute a total of 7.3 million gallons of water to the river every minute. Other rivers that feed the Mississippi, such as the Ohio River, the Illinois River, and the St. Croix River, also contribute to its overall volume.
In terms of overall volume, the two largest tributaries of the Mississippi River are the Missouri River, which contributes an average of 9.68 million gallons of water per minute, and the Ohio River, which contributes 7.10 million gallons of water per minute. The Illinois River follows closely behind, contributing an average of 5.74 million gallons per minute. The other states that contribute to the river include Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Louisiana. Although these states do not provide large amounts of water, they still make important contributions to the overall flow of the Mississippi River.
From an ecological standpoint, the Mississippi River is a critical pathway for fish and other aquatic organisms, providing them with access to a variety of habitats and resources. Dr. Joshua Goes, an aquatic ecologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, explains that “the Mississippi River serves as an important lifeline between the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast, and the flow of water from the states of the Upper Mississippi helps to support the food web, diversity of species, and overall health of the river.”
In addition to its direct ecological contributions, the Upper Mississippi River basin is also responsible for providing a large amount of drinking water to the Mississippi River Valley. According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Upper Mississippi system supplies over 7 billion gallons of drinking water per day to downstream communities, as well as providing water for industrial and agricultural needs.
The states that contribute to the Mississippi River also have an impact on the river’s water quality. Pollution from farms, industrial sites, and other sources can have serious implications for the health of the river, and developing strategies to reduce or eliminate these sources of pollution is a crucial step in protecting the river’s long-term health. To this end, many of the states that contribute to the river have invested heavily in water quality monitoring and management efforts, such as setting and enforcing pollution standards and establishing buffer zones around rivers and bays to reduce sediment run-off from farms.
As we can see, the states of the Upper Mississippi River basin are major contributors of both water quantity and quality to the Mississippi River. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri provide a vital source of drinking water, supporting both human and ecological needs along the river’s course.
Economic Impact
The states that contribute water to the Mississippi River also have an important economic impact. Millions of dollars are generated each year from tourism and recreation activities that take place along the river’s course. Fishing, boating, and camping are just a few of the many activities that take place on the Mississippi, and these activities are important sources of revenue for the local economies of the states that contribute to the river.
In addition, the states of the Upper Mississippi Basin are also important producers of agricultural commodities and other products. The rivers and streams that flow into the Mississippi serve as an important source of irrigation and transport for many local farmers and other producers, allowing them to bring their products to market more quickly and with greater efficiency.
The economic impact of the states that contribute to the Mississippi River cannot be understated. Acting as a vital link between the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast, the river provides access to vast markets and resources that have a direct impact on the local and global economy.
Environmental Impact
The states that contribute to the Mississippi River not only have an important economic impact, but they also have an important impact on the river’s environment. In particular, the states of the Upper Mississippi basin have been working to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river. This effort includes reducing agricultural runoff, restricting wastewater discharges, and establishing buffer zones around rivers and streams.
These efforts have helped to improve water quality in the Upper Mississippi and throughout the entire Mississippi River system. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the concentration of several pollutants, including nitrates and phosphates, has decreased significantly in recent years, resulting in improved aquatic habitat and better overall water quality.
The states of the Upper Mississippi River basin have also been working to restore the river’s banks and wetlands. As a result of habitat loss and degradation, many parts of the Mississippi are in danger of flooding, leading to loss of human and environmental resources. The states are working to increase floodplain vegetation, regularize stream flow, and reduce bank erosion, as well as restore habitats for native fish and other aquatic organisms.
Conservation Efforts
Beyond reducing pollution and restoring habitats, the states that contribute to the Mississippi River have also been investing in conservation efforts. Many of the states have created conservation-focused regulatory programs or have partnered with private and public organizations to promote conservation practices.
For example, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa have each established Conservation Reserve Programs that provide funding to landowners who use best management practices to protect local areas, such as wetlands, riparian buffers, and agricultural floodplains. Similarly, Illinois has established the Illinois River Initiative, which supports conservation and restoration practices throughout the entire Mississippi River system.
By investing in these and other conservation efforts, the states that contribute to the Mississippi River are protecting water quality and wildlife habitats and helping to ensure the long-term health of the river.
Conclusion
The states of the Upper Mississippi River basin are critically important contributors of both water and quality to the Mississippi River. Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri supply a large amount of water to the river, helping to support both human and ecological needs. In addition, these states have also taken a leading role in protecting the river’s environment from pollution and other threats and investing in conservation efforts to promote long-term sustainability.
