Background Information
The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and one of the world’s largest rivers. It spans 2,340 miles (3,765 km) from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. It provides an important transport and shipping line for agricultural and industrial products. It is also an immensely important source of water for millions of people who live in its watershed region, known as the Mississippi River Basin.
The Mississippi River flows through a total of 10 states. These 10 states are Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Depending on how you count, the Mississippi River either touches or divides two additional states: Missouri, which it divides but does not touch, and Michigan, which it does not divide but does touch.
Data & Expert Perspectives
Data from the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows that the Mississippi River carries an estimated 588,000 cubic feet of water per second at its source. This tapers off to an average of 200,000 cubic feet per second by the time the river reaches Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Additionally, the USGS monitors the water levels at several points along the Mississippi River, and their data shows that the river has been running at am above-average level since 2020. This can have numerous implications for communities, such as flooding or drought.
Experts also believe that the Mississippi River plays a critical role in the sustainability of the continental United States. In a recent statement, the Water Research Foundation (WRF) commented on the importance of the river, stating that “new technologies, such as the installation of locks, dams, and other water-management structures, have made it possible for the Mississippi River to remain an efficient and accessible waterway.” As such, WRF asserts that the Mississippi River is essential to the economic development of the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions.
In-depth Analysis & Insight
In terms of its impact on the environment, the Mississippi River performs vital functions. Not only does it provide water for agricultural uses and drinking water, but it also serves as a habitat for a myriad of plant and animal species. Along with its importance to species’ habitat, the Mississippi River plays an integral part in mitigating climate change, as the river’s flow helps regulate the temperature and moisture of the air. In fact, some experts argue that the river is an important element to the Earth’s water cycle, helping to prevent floods by slowing runoff and keeping water levels balanced.
From a socio-economic perspective, the Mississippi River is a source of inspiration for both the arts and culture. Many notable authors, such as Mark Twain and William Faulkner, have used the river in their work, as have numerous musicians and filmmakers. Furthermore, cities along the river, such as Memphis, New Orleans, and St. Louis, are cornerstones of American culture, offering vibrant music scenes and diverse cuisines.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River and the 10 states it touches have had a large economic impact. For example, the river generates billions of dollars in commerce every year and contributes significantly to the US GDP. Furthermore, the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) estimates that the flood control structures along the Mississippi River have prevented millions of dollars in damage to businesses, homes, and public infrastructure.
The states in the river’s watershed have also taken economic advantage of the river. Mississippi and Louisiana, for example, have identified the river as an important economic asset for the development and maintenance of ports. Along with agricultural and industrial products, the ports have enabled the transportation of oil and gas in the region. Likewise, both Mississippi and Louisiana have also focused their tourism campaigns on the river, highlighting its abundant natural beauty and recreational activities along the river.
Environmental Considerations
While the Mississippi River has been an important natural and economic resource to the states it touches, the river also faces several environmental challenges. As with other large rivers in the United States, the Mississippi is threatened by population growth and pollution. In particular, the USACE reports that agricultural runoff and wastewater treatment overflow can have detrimental effects on the river’s water quality. Furthermore, disposing of solid waste, such as debris and construction materials, poses environmental hazard to aquatic life.
To mitigate these risks, several states have enacted environmental regulations and implemented management plans. For instance, both Louisiana and Arkansas have developed water quality standards that limit the amount of pollutants discharged into the Mississippi River. Additionally, the EPA and the USACE are working together to clean up contaminated sediment in the river.
Effect on Fish & Wildlife
The quantity of both fish and wildlife in the Mississippi River basin is highly dependent on the water quality. As such, reducing pollutants and restoring the watershed is imperative for fish and wildlife populations.
Fortunately, the states the Mississippi River touches are working with the US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to conserve the region’s fish and wildlife habitat. In Louisiana, the USFWS has established several National Wildlife Refuges, which focus on protecting migratory birds, mammals, and other species in the region. Similarly, the USFWS has worked with other states to develop plans that designate land as critical habitat and restrict public access.
Levee Protection
The levees along the Mississippi River are an integral part of protecting the states it touches from flooding. Balanced against these benefits, however, is the cost of completing and maintaining these levees.
In addition to the cost of the levees, environmental concerns have also been raised. In recent years, the Army Corps of Engineers has been criticized for their management of the levees. Critics have pointed out that the levees can disrupt the natural flow of the river, causing environmental damage, including soil erosion and increased sedimentation.
Flood Prevention
The states that touch the Mississippi River have long looked to the river for protection from floods. For instance, in some areas, the USACE has built levees to protect towns and cities from flooding. Additionally, federal and state governments have established funding programs that help communities to make low-lying areas more resistant to floods.
However, these measures are not without controversy. Some critics argue that building levees and erecting other structures can do more harm than good. These infrastructures can alter the natural flow of the river, leading to problems such as damaging floods and erosion. Additionally, the number of levees being built has been a bone of contention, as they can cause water quality issues and reduce the amount of valuable wetland area.
Conservation Efforts
The states that the Mississippi River touches have also implemented some conservation efforts to ensure its sustainability. Along with their environmental regulations and management plans, many states are promoting the River’s recreational value, such as kayaking and fishing. Additionally, the states have passed legislation to ensure that the river’s ecosystem is protected, including regulations that restrict the development of waterfront property.
Experts have also asserted that these conservation efforts are necessary for the future of the Mississippi River. A recent report from the Mississippi River Commission noted that the river’s future depends in part on “sustainable development, effective land use and water management, and improved public understanding of the claims of all stakeholders…” In other words, it is essential that the states the Mississippi River touches continue their conservation efforts if they want the river to remain a healthy natural and economic resource.
