Overview
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river in the world, stretching 2,320 miles from its source at Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico—the world’s fourth largest body of water. Along its journey, the Mississippi River carries an immense volume of water, with an estimated discharge of between 600,000 to 1.2 million cubic feet of water per second, depending on season and snowmelt. The river’s water volume far surpasses the combined water flow of all other North American rivers and tributaries. To understand the sheer magnitude of the Mississippi River’s water movement, one must first be familiar with its vast network of watersheds.
Watersheds of the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River’s watershed spans 31 states, ranging from the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States to the western Rocky Mountains. The largest watershed is the Missouri River, covering 500,000 square miles and extending from Montana to western Missouri and along the length of the Mississippi River itself. The Missouri River and Mississippi River watersheds are joined at the mouth of the Ohio River in Cairo, Illinois, where the Ohio River drains into the Mississippi. Combined, the two watersheds of the Mississippi River span 2.5 million square miles—almost 40% of the total U.S. land area.
Along its course, the Mississippi River collects and carries water from dozens of tributaries, such as the Arkansas and Red Rivers. The average annual flow at the mouth of the Mississippi is 978,000 cubic feet of water per second, which is provided by 24 major tributaries and over 1,150 smaller ones. All of these sources supplement the baseline flow of the Mississippi River, augmenting its complexity and volume.
Factors Influencing Water Flow of the Mississippi River
A range of factors influence the water flow of the Mississippi River, including its geography and weather. The topography of the basin—which includes flat lowlands, hills, and mountain plateaus—shapes the flow of the river according to the elevation of its terrains. Higher elevations require the river to carry less water, while wider outlets require higher water levels to fill them. Additionally, the duration of snowmelt, severity of floods, level of precipitation, and intensity of rainfall all shape the size of the river. Fluctuations in these factors can result in temporarily higher water levels as well as water shortages during dry times.
In order to adequately assess and manage the Mississippi River’s water flow, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) gathers data from several observation points along the river. USACE uses up-to-date information to chart flooding, ensure navigation, and maintain water quality. The USACE also monitors the river’s potential for floods and high water levels, often regulating the amount of water released into the mainstem accordingly.
Impacts of Human Activity on the Mississippi River
Human activity has also greatly influenced the Mississippi River’s water flow and quality. Decades of deforestation and agriculture have taken a significant toll on the watershed, leading to soil erosion, flooding, pollution, and diminished water supply. Poor water quality renders inhabiting or drinking water sources unsafe, posing risks to biodiversity and endangering human health alike. The destruction of natural habitats has also caused disruption in the area’s fish and wildlife populations. In response to these issues, the U.S. EPA and other government agencies have been actively pursuing plans to restore the health of the river and its ecosystems.
The effects of human action have caused a decrease in the water volume of the Mississippi, requiring water providers and environmental organizations alike to explore alternative ways of restoring water to the river. In Louisiana, homeowners have begun developing cisterns—structure that hold rainwater from roofs, driveways, and other surfaces outside the home—in order to reduce water strain within the river basin. By utilizing water from cisterns for landscaping, homeowners are able to reduce their reliance on the Mississippi River for irrigation and minimize their impact on the ecosystems that rely on it for water.
Management of the Mississippi River
Different strategies have been developed to manage water levels in the Mississippi. Today, managers look to water flow and reservoir data as available from USACE to monitor and manage water levels, particularly during drought and flood events. In addition, environmental agencies in the region have set regulations on water pollution and the use of non-native invasive species to protect the sectors of the Mississippi River affected by human encroachment.
Recently, states and municipalities along the Mississippi have also begun funding projects for river conservation and restoration. For instance, Louisiana has invested millions in restoring and preserving natural habitats, preserving recreational and fishing areas, and re-vegetating flooded and marshland regions. Additionally, the government of Minnesota has launched acid-rain reduction efforts, investing in research and innovative solutions to reduce water pollution and sustain the quality of the Mississippi River.
Source of Energy and Nutrition
The vast volume of water in the Mississippi River provides a rich source of energy and nutrition for many living organisms. Countless species of fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians inhabit the river, taking advantage of its ample supply of food and nutrients. Beyond wildlife, the river’s waters are used to irrigate crops and generate energy, providing food, electrical power, and heat to communities across the country. For example, the Bonnet Carre Spillway, located just 40 miles north of New Orleans, is an outlet of the Mississippi River that releases fresh water from the river into Lake Pontchartrain during flood events. Its waters are then diverted to power two adjacent hydroelectric plants.
The diverse wildlife and abundance of resources within the Mississippi River also present unique opportunities for ecotourism. Some of the most popular activities include fishing, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. Many key events, such as the Bassmaster Classic and the St. Paul Summer Rodeo, attract thousands of visitors annually. Additionally, visitors can observe the unique mix of wildlife throughout the river basin, including everything from muskrat and mink to bald eagles and beavers.
Preservation Efforts
Despite the threats of human encroachment and environmental degradation, citizens and conservation organizations across the Mississippi River Basin have joined forces to protect its assets. The Lower Mississippi River Water Management Committee, comprised of representatives from various Mississippi states, provides a platform to discuss and manage solutions to the water management issues of the region. Easy access to the Mississippi River’s abundant resources makes it possible to generate open dialogues that lead to well-informed decisions.
An array of dedicated organizations also works tirelessly to protect the river’s ecosystems and ensure sustainability for present and future generations. These organizations champion policy reform, provide access to educational opportunities, and collaborate with government entities to influence decisions around the management and development of the river. Moreover, these entities communicate the importance of the Mississippi River to citizens, informing them of the impacts of their actions and encouraging them to minimize their environmental footprint.
Innovative Technology
Innovative technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), are now being used to enable more informed water management decisions. With the capability to analyze complex datasets, AI provides near real-time assessments of the river, offering improved predictive capabilities for weather-related and ecological events. Additionally, machine learning algorithms are being employed to monitor river ice formation and alert relevant agencies of potential degradation from changing climate patterns.
Since the Mississippi River plays a prominent role in the livelihood of millions of people and wildlife, proper monitoring and management of its water flow is critical for the health of the environment. With each passing year, more sophisticated technologies are introduced to make better sense of the river’s data points, helping agencies foster a better understanding of the river’s characteristics and respond to issues quickly and effectively.
Responsible Use of Water Resources
As the Mississippi River carries its immense volume of water southward, every drop is an essential resource in the modern world. To ensure its continued longevity and sustainability, it is of utmost importance that we use this resource responsibly. Organizations like the Mississippi Riverhead Alliance, the Watershed Network, and the Nature Conservancy have collaborated with government agencies and industry partners to raise awareness and promote responsible stewardship of the river. As responsible citizens, everyone can make a positive difference by reducing water consumption and encouraging water reuse.
By responsibly managing water flow, developing innovative solutions, and utilizing and promoting best practices, the U.S. can ensure that the amazing Mississippi River remains a vital part of the country’s biodiversity, economy, and culture. The importance of the river’s resources cannot be understated, for the simple answer to ‘How much water does the Mississippi River carry?’ is ‘Enough to sustain a nation’.
Agricultural Practices
Agricultural practices add to the water flow of the Mississippi River as well. Irrigation, eutrophication, and sedimentation are some of the effects of agricultural activities on the river. For example, excessive use of fertilizer and other chemicals impacts the nutrient cycle and introduces pollutants into the waterway, creating an imbalance in the ecosystem. In addition, farming and construction has led to soil erosion, further decreasing water quality and increasing the presence of invasive species.
In some places, farming has impacted the education and safety of the local communities. As farmers bend and modify the topography of their land to fit their needs, they create roads and dams that impede the water flow of the Mississippi River. This can increase the risk of flooding, endangering local communities and putting their lives—and the lives of their crops—at risk.
To promote better farming practices, water agencies and nonprofit organizations have taken to educating and raising awareness among local farmers. Through campaigns and training, these groups have encouraged sustainable farming practices, such as the conservation of wetlands and incorporation of organic fertilizers, and have developed ways to reduce runoff and contamination.
Wetland Restoration and Preservation
Wetlands are among the most important features of the Mississippi River, providing vital services to the environment and the population. Wetlands purify the water, protect land from flooding, and provide habitats for native plants and animals. As a result, many states, such as Arkansas and Louisiana, have taken steps to restore and protect their wetland areas.
Several federal, state, and local agencies have joined forces to restore marshlands, reduce soil erosion, and control runoff. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is one of the most active organizations in these restoration efforts. By replanting wetlands, protecting existing ones, and building channels to redirect the flow of water, the Service has been able to restore parts of the delta, nourish the landscape, and protect the Mississippi River from the impacts of human activities.
Furthermore, wetland restoration raises public awareness and appreciation of the ecosystem, stimulating new business opportunities, such as wildlife tour companies, fishing trips, and scientific research projects. With new educational opportunities, visitors can also learn more about the importance of wetland preservation and understand the significance of its impact on public health and the environment.
Environmental Impacts
The Mississippi River is a prime example of how mismanagement of human activities can lead to detrimental impacts on the environment. Beyond its extensive watershed, the river’s water is used to provide countless services, from shipping, transportation, and recreation to energy production and industrial processes. Any changes to its flow, such as from droughts, floods, and other natural events, can have devastating effects on not only the local area, but the nation as a whole.
Pollution in the Mississippi River, especially from runoff of industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, and treated sewage, has threatened biodiversity and degraded water quality. As the volume of pollutants increases, this can have both visible and non-visible health effects, posing a serious threat to the environment, wildlife, and human beings alike.
Thankfully, the governments of Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, and other states have taken decisive steps to address environmental degradation and improve water quality in the river. Through continual research and innovation, experts have made remarkable progress in minimizing pollution and enhancing the health of the river. As a result, aquatic species have returned, water clarity has improved, and recreational activities have flourished.
