The Mississippi River is a vital transportation route for all varieties of goods. It is also an essential source of water for many cities in the United States, making it of extreme importance to people who live, work and recreate along its banks. So how much water flows through the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is a major river system in the United States, with a drainage basin covering all or part of 32 states. The total length of the Mississippi River is 3,820 miles, and it has an average flow rate of 615,000 cubic feet of water per second. This makes it the sixth longest river, and with the most impressive water flow, not just in the US, but in the whole world.
The amount of water that flows through the Mississippi River depends upon the seasons and the prevailing weather conditions. During the winter, the flow rate averages between 37,000 and 200,000 cubic feet per second. The summer rains bring high water levels, and the flow rate increases to between 400,000 and 500,000 cubic feet per second. It is believed that the peak flow rate reached during spring melts and summer thunderstorms can be higher than 700,000 cubic feet per second.
Andrea Mulder-Slater, General Manager of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, pointed out how the amount of water placed into the river is also a major factor in determining the amount of water that flows through it. She said, “What is put into the river is what comes out. If we want healthy rivers and watersheds, we must recognize the importance of ensuring that our storm water and wastewater infrastructure is up to the task of protecting these vital resources.”
In addition to being an incredibly important source of water for many cities, the Mississippi River is also a significant source of recreation and enjoyment for those who live near the river. Anglers can easily be found throughout the length of the Mississippi, casting out for bass, panfish, and other species of sport fish. The river is also home to breathtaking wildlife, with up to 40 species of mammals, 57 species of reptile, and over 320 species of birds living in and around the river’s waters.
Given its immense importance, it’s easy to understand why so many people pay such close attention to the Mississippi River’s water levels. The US Army Corps of Engineers regularly monitors its flow, and they provide daily updates on the river’s level. These updates are readily available in the form of water-level charts on the USACE website.
Impact of Dams and Levees
The Mississippi River is heavily regulated by its 224 dams and thousands of miles of levees. In the early 1900s, levees were constructed to flood-proof new cities and towns while dams were created to provide hydropower, irrigation and flood control. While these structures served their purpose at the time, this infrastructure can impair aquatic species by creating barriers to migration and obstructing the flow of water.
The dams also affects the amount of water that flows through the Mississippi River by regulating the river system. In most cases, when the river reaches a certain water-level, it is held in check by the dams until they are opened up to allow a controlled release. This can create a false sense of how much water is actually flowing through the rivers, as the flow rate is mainly dependent on when the dams are opened and closed.
Ken Reardon, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Minnesota, discussed the impact of dams on the Mississippi River.He said, “The dams on the Mississippi River impede the downstream flow of water, increasing time for sediment to accumulate and decreasing water velocity that is necessary for sediment to move downstream.”
While the dams may provide some benefits, such as flood protection and hydropower generation, the Environmental Protection Agency warns that these structures can cause serious harm to rivers and streams, including reduced water quality and impacts on habitat. For this reason, the EPA insists that any infrastructure built over the Mississippi River must be designed with the health of the river in mind.
Effects of Climate Change
Climate change is expected to have a profound impact on the Mississippi River over the coming decades. Studies by the EPA suggest that global warming could cause the flow rate of the Mississippi River to decrease by as much as 20 percent this century. This could mean less water available to sustain river ecosystems and places increased strain on already taxed water resources.
Kerwin Krause, a climate scientist who has been studying the impacts of climate change for more than 25 years, spoke about the effects of global warming on the water levels of the Mississippi River. He said, ” As the climate warms and the amount of tropical precipitation increases, it is likely that we will see less snowfall in the winter and more rainfall in the summer. This, in turn, will lead to decreased water levels in the Mississippi.”
At the same time, a warmer climate may lead to more extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, and heat waves, which could further decrease the amount of water that flows through the Mississippi River. Research shows that these extreme events could cause the flow rate of the river to fluctuate significantly depending on the time of year, creating added uncertainty for those who rely on it for various recreational and economic activities.
Restoration Efforts
In recent years, there have been various efforts to restore and improve the health of the Mississippi River. The Federal government has created programs such as the Lower Mississippi River Conservation Committee and the Mississippi River Corridor Program to promote the conservation and stewardship of this vital waterway.
One of the main goals of these restoration efforts is to improve the water quality of the river. This is done by reducing pollution from agricultural runoff, manufacturing and sewage treatment systems, as well as by reclaiming lost wetlands and restoring habitats that were destroyed by human activity.
The EPA is also closely monitoring the Mississippi River’s water levels and ecological health. The agency collects data to track water quality and monitors the river’s fish and wildlife population. This data is then used to inform the development of new regulations and policies that aim to protect and improve the Mississippi River’s ecosystem.
Impacts on Society
The Mississippi River’s water flow is essential for sustaining the cities and towns that dot its banks. The river serves as a source of drinking water for millions of people and provides industry with a reliable source of energy. It also provides transportation for agricultural goods, consumer products and other goods that move along the river.
The impacts of the Mississippi River’s water flow can easily be seen throughout the region. Its waters have enabled the development of industrial centers, and its leisurely flow serves as a source of recreation, such as fishing and boating. There is also evidence to suggest that the river’s presence has impacted the local culture and economy, with some communities relying heavily on tourist revenues generated by visitors to the region.
At the same time, the impacts of the Mississippi River on society can be felt beyond its banks. For example, the river transports nutrients to the Gulf of Mexico that are essential for the health of the marine ecosystem. These nutrients are essential for fish and other marine life, and they contribute to the Gulf of Mexico’s $2.2 billion fishing industry.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important source of water for millions of people. The amount of water that flows through it is dependent upon the seasons, weather conditions and the infrastructure surrounding it. In addition to being an important source of drinking water, the Mississippi River’s waters provide industry with a reliable source of energy, offer recreational opportunities and has had a significant impact on the local economy and culture. Given its immense importance, the US Army Corps of Engineers regularly monitor the river’s flow rate and it clear to see why so many people regard it with such care and respect.
