The Mississippi River is an iconic waterway that has sustained the economies and lifestyles of many parts of the U.S. for centuries. It is a source of hydropower, rich with resources and serves as a significant route for oil, gas and shipping. However, like many of the world’s rivers, the Mississippi can experience significant changes due to its dependencies on numerous factors, one of which is a fluctuating water level. This begs the question: How often does the Mississippi River dry out?
In looking at the technical data related to the water level of the river, it is quite common for the water level of the Mississippi to drop two to three inches in a day. This is due in part to the fact that the river loses between four hundred and five hundred thousand acre-feet of water each day due to numerous sources, including irrigation, industrial and municipal activity. Additionally, increased amounts of precipitation in different parts of the river can reduce the overall flow of water.
This not only affects the local wildlife, but can also be felt by local businesses in the form of dry times. According to a study conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, periods of extreme drought in the lower Mississippi often cause a decline in the water level, which can cause a decrease in the river’s carrying capacity, resulting in fewer boats and vessels able to navigate the area. This can have a significant impact on the economy in the areas surrounding the river.
Moreover, the consumption of water throughout the region can push the water level even lower. According to the study, water consumption by these various entities can account for up to 70 percent of the total volume of water lost during dry times, which can lead to areas along the Mississippi where the water is no longer visible, resulting in the flow of the river becoming much more concentrated.
These changes in flow are also affected by seasonal changes, with the river being much drier in the summer. This is due to natural factors such as evaporation, which can account for upwards of 25 percent of the water loss of the river during the driest months, as well as human activity in the area, such as water usage for agricultural and industrial purposes.
Lastly, the increased pressure from the numerous dams erected along the river also has an effect on the water level. As the water builds up behind the various dams, it can result in the Mississippi being much lower in certain areas, making navigation difficult and potentially hazardous.
Effects on the Ecosystem
Changes to the Mississippi River’s water level has a vast impact on the wildlife living there. Lowering water levels can lead to fish, birds and other animals struggling to feed, breed and find shelter. The disruption to the food chain in turn can affect the wider wildlife populations, which can impact the wider environments. Common fish, such as bass and catfish, depend on the river’s high water levels to provide suitable spawning grounds, and can suffer significant declines when the water level falls too low. Additionally, many of the native species have adapted to the wet season, and struggle to survive in extended periods of drought.
In some cases, prolonged drought has caused the river to shrink significantly, which can in turn lead to an increase in the salinity of the water as sea water enters the falling river. This in turn can have a damaging effect on the freshwater species that are native to the river, leading to further declines in the overall population.
Impact on Human Activity
In addition to the effects on the eco-system, lowered water levels in the Mississippi River can have impacts on the river use for human activity. For example, due to the reduced water capacity, some areas may be declared as dry zones, to prevent any navigation through the area. This can in turn affect the industries which depend on the river for transport and building of navigation aides, like dams and locks, as well as the transport of goods.
The flow of the Mississippi can also be affected by changes in the landscape due to storms or development, leading to further narrowing of the river, reducing the water capacity. This was highlighted in 2013, when a severe storm caused significant damage to the riverbanks, resulting in numerous parts of the river becoming impassable.
The Mississippi River remains a critical factor in the lives of many people in the region. The water levels are constantly changing due to a variety of natural and man-made factors, making it difficult to accurately predict how often the river will dry out. However, it is important to be aware of changes in the environment and how they can affect the river’s health, to ensure the protection of both ecology and human life.
Impact on Agriculture
The Mississippi River plays a key role in sustaining the agriculture industry in the area. Lower water levels can significantly reduce the amount of water available for the boats and barges used by many agricultural operations to transport supplies. This can reduce their ability to get their produce to market. Furthermore, lower water levels can also cause a decrease in the amount of water available for crop irrigation, leading to decreased yields.
The combination of the river’s seasonal variations and the frequent occurrences of drought in the region can put additional strain on the agricultural industry, leading to poorer harvests which can put additional strain on businesses and local communities. This can be alleviated somewhat by the use of methods such as dredging, which can help maintain the constant flow of the river.
Controlling Water Levels
To reduce the occurrence of drought and the decline of water levels, drastic measures are sometimes taken. For example, the installation of dams, along with the careful maintenance of the levees along the river, can help to control the water levels. This can help to reduce the occurrence of flooding in the area, while also providing an additional source of water during dry times. Additionally, water-saving measures taken by government and local organizations, such as increasing water conservation efforts, can help reduce the amount of water lost during dry times.
The manipulation of water levels can also be beneficial for navigation, as higher water levels can make navigation easier in shallow areas, while the dredging of certain areas can create deeper channels. These efforts can help to ensure that the river remains a reliable source of trade and transportation in the region.
Environmental Considerations
Any changes to the river’s natural state must be done with great consideration for its environmental impact. Dams and levees can create unintended consequences for the environment, as well as for the local economy. In some cases, the changes to the flow of the river can lead to an increase in the salinity of the water and the increased erosion of the riverbanks, leading to a decrease in the numbers of native species.
Additionally, the dredging of certain areas can disturb the natural habitats of species, leading to displacement and disruption. As such, any changes made to the Mississippi River’s water level must be done with great consideration for the local environment, and with the assistance of experts.
