Mississippi River at Risk
The Mississippi River is one of the largest river systems in the world, spanning over 3,700 miles, and is a critical artery for commerce, transportation, and energy production in the United States. Unfortunately, recent research has shown that the River is under significant stress from a variety of issues, with many environmentalists warning that the River is at risk of becoming dry.
One of the impacts of climate change on the Mississippi River is an extreme alteration in the flow regime, leading to water levels that can no longer be relied upon. This is compounded by the lack of significant rainfall in its watershed, both from long-term drought events and from fluctuations in weather patterns. While some areas have seen temporary relief from heavy rains and flooding this season, the long-term outlook demonstrates a continued decrease in precipitation in the region.
A key contributor which has gone relatively unaddressed is the dramatic increase in water consumption by cities and industrial complexes in the region. For instance, an estimated 40% of the water flow in the Mississippi River is to a variety of water depots, including the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, and other bodies of water; and that percentage is steadily climbing as populations expand and massive businesses move in. The Atlanta metropolitan area, which is a major contributor to the flow of the Mississippi River, is projected to double in size by 2060, placing an even greater strain on the River.
Climate change is also causing the temperature of the water to rise. Warmer temperatures cause a decrease in the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water, which has a negative effect on fish, plants and other aquatic life. And it has been noted that degraded water quality due to upstream pollution is another factor placing the health of the River in jeopardy.
The unsustainable drainage of this critical water source into these storage facilities has forced the threatened species in the region to relocate to other areas where they can survive. Many factors, from shifting water levels to contaminated water, have contributed to the increased mortality of various species in the five states along the river.
The situation for the Mississippi River is bleak, but there are steps that government and citizens can take to help stave off further damage. From managed irrigation techniques to reduced consumption of water and upgrades in sewage treatment, there are ways to mitigate its consequences and give the River a fighting chance.
Water Depletion from Agriculture
Agriculture has played a major role in the water depletion of the Mississippi River. The presence of hundreds of farms and agricultural businesses along the river’s banks results in large-scale water extraction and diversion, resulting in water levels decreasing at an alarming rate. Due to the fact that agricultural activities in the area are extremely important for the local economy, it is essential that these businesses are provided with the necessary resources to develop and sustain proper irrigation methods.
It is also important to acknowledge that the agricultural activities in the area are directly impacting downstream resources, necessitating a comprehensive management plan which addresses both upstream and downstream interactions and water availability. For example, water extraction practices can deplete the river to an unsustainable level, resulting in the death of species and the inability of aquatic life to survive, and further damaging the environment.
Finally, if not dealt with immediately, these activities have the potential to cause an even greater cascade of negative effects on the extended ecosystem. Not only could it have catastrophic effects on the food supplies of the many rural and urban communities in the region, but it could also have implications for the entire country and the global climate.
Flooding
Flooding is another major issue which poses a threat to the health of the Mississippi River. While the increase in water levels due to flooding can be beneficial in the short run, its long-term effects can be catastrophic. Heavy rains this season and historic flooding have resulted in higher water levels, but the rate of change is far too high and the water is unable to effectively disperse. This has caused extreme erosion of the riverbanks and weakened the delicate ecosystem of the River.
In order to prevent further damage from occurring, the government must intervene in the form of regulation and investment. The regulation would involve policies which implement stricter restrictions on development along the riverbanks and a more comprehensive management plan of water use. Additionally, investments are needed in order to improve and maintain the levees, dams and other infrastructure along the Mississippi River.
When managed properly, the flooding along the Mississippi River can actually be beneficial, as it is nature’s natural way of delivering nutrients and replenishing the aquatic life within the River. However, if flooding is left unchecked, it can have disastrous results, not only damaging the River and its surrounding environment, but also posing tremendous risks to the lives and livelihoods of those living near the River.
Pollution
Pollution is another major cause for the decline in the health of the Mississippi River. Polluted runoff from agricultural operations, industrial sites and urban areas flows into the River, introducing an array of toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and waste material that have the potential to destroy the biodiversity of the River.
In addition to the direct damage caused by pollutants, the runoff creates a tremendous amount of algal blooms which has a devastating effect on the surrounding environment. Algae blooms can create issues such as fish kills, dead zones, and water quality problems, which can ultimately lead to further pollution and an irreversible decline in the health of the Mississippi River.
Government regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous chemicals, the introduction of more effective waste management systems, and the enforcement of stricter water quality standards are needed in order to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi River. In addition, public education initiatives are needed to raise awareness of this issue and the steps that citizens can take in order to reduce their own contributions to the pollution of the River.
Environmental Preservation Efforts
The health of the Mississippi River is dependent on the various efforts to preserve its ecosystem. Governmental agencies and conservation groups have taken a lead role in the conservation of the River, taking steps to enhance the River’s water quality and reduce the amount of pollution entering the River. These measures include the installation of artificial wetlands, riparian buffers, and sewage treatment plants, as well as the implementation of watershed-wide land use policies.
Organizations like the Mississippi Water Monitoring Network and the Mississippi River Basin Alliance have set up monitoring networks across the watersheds to track changes in the River’s environment, and to measure the effectiveness of various initiatives. In addition, various conservation laws have been enacted in order to protect the River, including the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act.
These organizations also conduct outreach and educational programs to help spread awareness about the River’s history and the challenges that it is currently facing, and to educate citizens about the importance of preserving their local rivers. Government agencies and conservation groups have also taken steps to involve the local communities in their efforts, creating opportunities for locals to take part in projects such as riparian planting or invasive species removal, which help the River stay healthy.
Conclusion
The health of the Mississippi River is of paramount importance, not only to the citizens of the states it flows through, but to the entire nation. With a variety of environmental threats facing the River, it is essential that government, businesses and citizens work together to find solutions to the issues and preserve this vital waterway. The collective action that is taken today can help ensure that the Mississippi River will remain healthy for years to come.
