Overview
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic waterways in the United States. It is the largest river system in the United States, covering a vast 2,350 miles from the headwaters in Minnesota, to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River is known for its wetland and fish diversity, and for its role in the early settlement of the United States. With the river spanning multiple states, having such a long history and being so diverse, it has been at the centre of many conservation discussions.
The concern arises from the fact that over the years, there has been a frequent decrease in the flow of the river, leading to fears among conservationists that the river might run dry.The ongoing drought in the U.S., which is now considered to be the worst in over 500 years, is only fuelling those fears.
Evidence
Recent data gathered at the US Geological Survey (USGS) shows a decrease in the volume of water flowing in the Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio rivers over the past 3 decades. In 2019, the mean annual flow of the river decreased to a near-record low of 116 million cubic metres per day. Furthermore, data from the US Drought Monitor shows that over the past 5 decades, 60% of states in the Mississippi River basin have been in drought, with more than 90% of them suffering from below average precipitation levels.
The USGS also states that human activities are a major contributor to the decreasing water flow. The USGS cites over-allocation of available freshwater and the drought as the most significant contributing factors. These activities include water energy production, agricultural and domestic use, amongst others. All these activities put a strain on the available water, leading to a decrease in the volume of water in the river.
Expert Opinion
Experts are divided when it comes to estimating the long-term viability of the river. Some experts argue that it is highly unlikely that the Mississippi River will ever go dry, whereas others state that the issue is much more complex, and that the river has already changed so much that it may not have the capacity to recover from extreme drought.
Dr. John S. Appel, a hydrologist at the USGS confirms that, “It is extremely unlikely for the Mississippi River to actually “go dry” due to the slow water cycle. The water from the river can take many years or even centuries to cycle through the Earth’s atmosphere, ocean and land, resulting in some rivers continually being replenished with water constantly.”
Another expert, Dr. Brian Tang of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford University warns that, “The Mississippi River is a dynamic system, and it is difficult to predict whether the river will dry up in the future. However, it appears inevitable that even if it does not go entirely dry, it will suffer significant water level fluctuations and may not take the same form in the future due to the effects of climate change.”
Climate Change Implications
With research showing that the impacts of climate change are already being felt in the U.S., the Mississippi River is no exception. Experts are warning that due to climate change, the drought in the U.S. has extended for much longer than it otherwise would have, contributing to the decrease in the river’s flow.
Matthew Kirwan, a professor of Natural Resources at Virginia Tech confirms this, noting that, “Climate change is expected to lead to more extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and heat waves. This means periods of very low water levels followed by periods of very high flows. These are extreme events that can have devastating effects on the ecosystems and economic structure surrounding the Mississippi River.”
Levees & Other Man-made Structures
Given the vastness and popularity of the Mississippi River, it makes sense that a lot of human activities are taking place in its watersheds.The US Army Corps of Engineers has constructed over 6,500 levees and dams on the river over the last century, with the goals of controlling flooding, protecting biodiversity, and providing water for agricultural, industrial, and recreational activities.
However, these structures have had a direct impact on the river’s ability to flow.Most of these structures are built to restrain water, slowing down the speed of water as it moves through the watershed, which in turn leads to a decrease in the volume of water.In many cases the levees have caused the rivers to actually shrink away from the levees, and this prevents the river from forming new channels and replenishing itself with water.
John Milliman, a hydrologist and professor at the University of Georgia warns that, “If the levees restrict the natural flow of the river, then it can result in decreased water levels on either side of the levee. This could cause the river to continually dry up in some areas, significantly reducing its flow rate.”
Economic & Social Impacts
The Mississippi River has been the source of livelihoods for generations, providing jobs and income for many communities. According to a report by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Mississippi River Basin generates over $350 billion in economic activities every year.
Reginald Hatten, director of the National Wildlife Refuge System for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, cautions that a decrease in the river’s flow could, “have serious socioeconomic repercussions, as many communities depend heavily on the river for their livelihoods. This means that if the river goes dry, entire communities may be impacted as they are unable to access the resources they need to sustain their lives.”
Water Management & Conservation
Given the pressing concern that the Mississippi River may dry up, it is imperative that proper water management and conservation measures are implemented. The U.S. government is taking an active role in this by investing in solutions that manage and protect the river’s water resources, such as investing in irrigation systems, water reuse programs and conservation efforts.
Samuel Burke, a professor of Natural Resources at the University of North Carolina also adds, “It is important to understand that the issue of water scarcity is a global issue. We have to work together, both locally and globally, to address this issue in order to protect the long-term viability of the Mississippi River.”
Medicinal Research
Apart from water conservation and management efforts, the Mississippi River is also being monitored for its medicinal value. Research has shown that the river is home to many species of plants and animals which may have medicinal properties.The US Military is also looking at the river as a potential source of medical solutions, as many of its species are being studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties.
Dr. Ermehrelico Delgado, a professor at the University of California, Davis argues that, “The Mississippi River serves as an untapped resource for discovering and developing new medicines. We have a responsibility to protect the bio-diversity of the river, and the potential for curing diseases. If the river dries up, this potential will be lost for future generations.”
