Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River is running lower than it has ever been in recorded history and the consequences have been devastating. Since the start of the 20th century, the Mississippi’s water levels have gradually decreased and water temperatures have risen, leading to a loss of aquatic life in the river. This decrease in the river’s water level has had severe impacts on the environment in the form of dwindling freshwater alligators, turtles, fish, and other species who rely on the river for their ecosystem’s health.
According to the US Army Corps of Engineers, the average river stage in St. Louis, a major port city on the Mississippi, was 17.0 feet in 2019—the lowest it has been since 1913 when records began being kept. The decline in water levels of the Mississippi River has also caused declines in commercial navigation traffic, water supplies and water quality.
Causes of River Decline
Scientists believe that various activities have led to the decline of the Mississippi River, the primary being climate change. Warmer temperatures and increased evaporation create less water for the river, expanding and multiplying the process of drought. Droughts themselves are naturally occurring and triggered by a number of things; for example, reduced snowfalls, heat waves and more frequent El Niño – Southern Oscillation events can all lead to droughts in the Mississippi River basin.
On top of this, humans also contribute to the decline in the river’s water levels. For example, extreme extraction and usage of groundwater reserves have caused a decline of the river while further upstream, deforestation and associated agricultural practices have removed trees and other vegetation, making it far easier for water to evaporate and become part of the atmosphere instead of going into the Mississippi River.
Consequences of Low Water Levels
One of the biggest consequences of declining water levels in the Mississippi River has been the disruption of commercial navigation – which traditionally used the river to transport goods between northern and southern states. Navigation has become more difficult due to sandbars, shifting channels and increased silt levels. Furthermore, water levels have become so low in the Mississippi River at some points that barges have had to reduce their cargo loads by up to 50%, further decreasing efficiency.
Not only has this caused disruption to the shipping industry, it has also had an impact on the local economy. Many people and businesses depend on the river for their livelihoods, from fisheries to tourism, so any impact to the water level of the Mississippi River affects both these industries, and the lives of those who depend on them for their income.
Solutions for Low Water Levels
There are a number of solutions being discussed amongst authorities, such adjusting water use policies, water storage, dam restructuring, and controlling evaporation. In the long run, attention needs to be paid to climate change, and governments need to prioritize action to reduce emissions and modify policies to respond to environmental changes.
One potential solution to the decline of the Mississippi River could be to flood control, restoring natural habitats that are closer to the river’s source and using infiltrations to fill groundwater reserves. Nature-based approaches such as reforestation, seepage basins, and wetlands can reduce evaporation and prevent further decline of the river, while also providing habitats for wildlife. Replacing dams and levees with berms, logs, rocks and other materials that can slow the current and help sediment build up could also help replenish water levels.
Impact of Solutions
Restoring water levels of the Mississippi River would be critical to preserving aquatic animal and plant species native to the river. Increasing water levels would improve the quality and quantity of habitat for aquatic species, as well as improve water quality, reduce stream bank erosion and sedimentation, and improve fisheries. By restoring water levels in the Mississippi River, the ecosystems of the biodiversity of the river would become more resilient and the habitats they depend on would have a better chance of surviving.
Furthermore, an increase in the water levels of the Mississippi River would lead to a surge in navigation traffic. With deeper waters, barge traffic could return to pre-low water levels, resulting in lower shipping costs and improvements in the economy related to navigation and shipping.
Cost and Challenges of Solutions
Despite the potential benefits of implementing solutions to restore the water levels of the Mississippi River, there are still challenges and significant costs associated with doing so. For example, the installation of flood control Systems requires the use of large amounts of resources and energy, and the cost for such a project would likely be high. Flood control systems also need to be maintained and updated regularly in order to remain effective and protect the river from damage.
In addition, rebuilding habitats closer to the source of the Mississippi River would require a large amount of land, both for the construction of new facilities and for the preservation of existing ecosystems. This would require buying land from private owners, which can be costly and difficult.
Government Involvement
Governments of cities along the Mississippi River have started to address the declining water levels of the river by implementing conservation measures, such as water-saving regulations. Local governments have also implemented policies to limit pollution and implement better wastewater management. While these measures are helping, they are not enough to address the long-term decline of the Mississippi River.
The US Federal Government also needs to step in and coordinate an effort to restore the river’s water levels. This would include investing in water-related infrastructure, such as improved irrigation, hydroelectricity and water conservation systems. In addition, the Federal Government should provide increased funding for research into the causes and prevention of droughts, as well as provide resources to local governments to help them address water-related issues in their cities.
Implications of Government Involvement
Government involvement would bring enormous financial and environmental benefits to the area, as well as improve the ecology and environmental health of the river. Implementing the above measures would provide the necessary resources needed to restore and protect the Mississippi River, and the communities and habitats that rely on it.
It would also spur economic growth, with increased navigation traffic leading to new industries and jobs in the regions along the river. Furthermore, improved water quality would lead to improved water stores, better drinking water quality, and additional resources for communities, fisheries and other related industries.
Public Awareness and Engagement
The declining levels of the Mississippi River represent an urgent challenge for communities and ecosystems across the United States. If action is not taken, the disruption of commerce, the physical damage to habitats, and the financial consequences for those who rely on the river for their livelihoods will only get worse. Public awareness and engagement must be increased in order to motivate citizens to act and create demand for changes from their leaders and elected representatives.
Local environmental organizations have been active in spreading the message and encouraging citizens to get involved in order to protect the Mississippi River. People can join campaigns, sign petitions, write to their elected representatives, volunteer, or donate to help raise money for projects related to protecting the river. Every effort helps, even if it is something as simple as learning more about the issue or spreading the word on social media.
Conclusion
The recorded low water levels of the Mississippi River present an urgent challenge to the environment and economy of countless communities across the United States. Governments, organizations, and individuals must come together and work to protect this vital vein of our nation. To do so, governments must invest in infrastructure and conservation, citizens must become more aware and engaged, and organizations must spread the message and drive people to take action. Only then can we reverse the decline in water levels of the Mississippi River and ensure its continued health for generations to come.
