Mississippi River water is a vital part of the environment and the lives of people all throughout the Middle Mississippi Valley who depend on it for drinking, agricultural and recreational uses. This vast body of water flows over 2,320 miles, beginning at Lake Itasca in Minnesota, snaking down through 10 U.S. states, and emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. It carries a significant amount of sediment and nutrients, forming wetlands, not just in the places it passes, but downstream as well. Since it’s such an important body of water, it’s important to understand what makes it and its waters unique.
The Mississippi River starts upstream as clear, clean water. But by the time it gets to its southernmost point, the water has become cloudy and polluted, due to the wastewater and sewage from factories, agricultural runoff, and runoff from urban areas. This pollution can have a destructive effect on local ecosystems. In addition, the river water’s high pH level can be damaging to the environment, as it can cause an increase in plant growth, which can eventually lead to algal blooms.
The quality of the water varies depending on the season. In winter, surface waters can be significantly colder than in the summer. The melting of snow and ice in the northern states adds additional surface runoff, increasing the temperature and nutrients. In summer the river may be warmer, making the waters more stratified between the depths and the surface. Additionally, the amount of sediment in the water increases during the summer months.
The Mississippi River is home to many species of fish and other wildlife that depend on the river’s health and conservation of the habitats it provides. Threats to species includes habitat loss due to changing water levels, pollution from runoff, and overfishing. One of the primary threats is the pollutants entering the water from upstream sources, known as “nonpoint source pollution.” A variety of sources cause this type of pollution, including runoff from agricultural fields, lawns, and roads, as well as discharges from wastewater treatment plants and industrial facilities.
The Corps of Engineers works to reduce the amount of nonpoint source pollution that enters the Mississippi River by creating buffer zones where runoff water can be absorbed and filtered of pollutants before reaching the river. Additionally, many local authorities have imposed regulations on industries located near the river, to reduce the amount of chemicals and other pollutants getting into the water. These efforts have helped to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, though there is still a long way to go before the river water is safe for drinking.
The Mississippi River and its waters are an important part of the natural environment and of the people who live and work in and around the river. Efforts to preserve and protect the river water must continue, so that future generations can continue to enjoy the benefits of this essential ecosystem.
Pollutants
One of the biggest threats to the Mississippi River’s water quality is pollutants. Many of these pollutants come from manufacturing and industrial processes, as well as urban runoff. These pollutants can range from excess nutrients, heavy metals, and filamentous bacteria to powerful industrial chemicals like PCBs and dioxin. All of these pollutants can have profound effects on aquatic organisms and can even make their way up through the food web, causing health risks to humans as well.
Because many of these pollutants come from manufacturing and industrial processes, it’s often up to the companies themselves to take steps to reduce their own pollution output. This might include installing filters on their discharge pipes, using alternative methods of production, or upgrading their equipment. State and local governments can also play a role in reducing pollution from industries in and around the Mississippi River by enacting strict regulations and frequently monitoring water quality.
One tool being developed to help track and identify pollution sources is remote sensing. By using satellites and other technological tools, researchers can take a bird’s eye view of the river and detect changes in its water quality over time. This information can be used to pinpoint pollution sources and to create more effective strategies for reducing their impact on the river.
By education the public on the pollutants entering the Mississippi River and the potential effects they can have on human and ecological health, citizens can better understand the importance of protecting the river’s water quality. In addition, by incentivising reduced pollution output, industries can be encouraged to take the necessary steps to protect the water and the environment.
Interstates
The mighty Mississippi river is a popular source of recreation and transportation, with a multitude of interstates, railways, and watercraft utilizing its waters every day. However, the increased activity on the river comes with inherent risks and potential dangers. While most of the vessels taking to the water are well regulated, there is still the potential for accidents.
One possible hazard is the presence of submerged obstacles, such as sunken boats and debris. These objects can be difficult to spot in the water, making them a potential hazard even to experienced boaters. For this reason, it’s important for boaters to familiarize themselves with the area they are navigating, as well as to properly maintain and inspect their vessels before taking to the water.
In addition to submerged hazards, there is also the danger of shallow waters or unpaved sandbar crossings. These areas of shallow water can be less visible, but present just as great a risk to unsuspecting boaters or ships. Boaters should practice extra caution in these areas, such as reducing speed and conducting proper “sounding” of the area before entering.
Then there are vessels of differing size and priorities. River barges take precedence over recreational boats and can be much larger. This means that recreational boat operators must take extra care and give way when passing large barges or vessels, as well as keeping an appropriate distance.
Given the potential risk, boat operators must be highly familiar with the rules and regulations when operating on the Mississippi River, as well as the proper safety and navigational protocols. Additionally, navigation charts and interactive navigation systems can be extremely helpful in guiding operators through unfamiliar waters no matter the vessel.
Water Rights
As the Mississippi River winds its way through the heart of North America, it provides a livelihood to many states and cities that border along its edges. In addition to economic ventures, the river also provides a healthful and recreational resource for enjoyment by all. This is why water rights are such a critical issue along its shores.
To maintain and protect the river, state and federal governments have created a web of laws and regulations, known as “water rights.” These laws are designed to protect the water quality and ensure that everyone who legally holds rights to the water receives their rightful share. Water rights are typically determined by state laws, with the main three categories being agriculture, industry and municipalities.
Agricultural water rights grant farmers the right to use the water for their crop needs, such as irrigation. Industry rights are granted to commercial industries that use the water in the production of goods or services. Finally, municipal rights grant communities the right to draw from the river for public uses, such as drinking water, sewage disposal, and recreation activities.
Given the importance of water rights, it is important that all who use the river abide by the laws and regulations to ensure the river’s health for all. This is especially true for large-scale users such as commercial industries, whose discharge of pollutants into the river can have devastating impacts on the water quality.
Conservation
Given the importance of the Mississippi River and its waters, there are a wide range of conservation efforts underway to protect and preserve the river and its resources. The primary goal of these efforts is to keep the water quality and ecosystems as healthy and natural as possible, while still accommodating the needs of the people of the region.
One of the primary ways that conservation is achieved is through buffer strips, or areas of land adjacent to the river that are not developed or disturbed. These buffer strips help to absorb pollutants from runoff and to preserve natural habitats and wildlife in the area. In addition, the buffer strips provide recreational and aesthetic benefits for those who use the river’s shores for recreational or educational purposes.
Other efforts to conserve the river include restrictions and regulations on pollutants, such as chemicals and pollutants entering the river from upstream. State and local governments have also been investing heavily in wastewater treatment technology to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river. Additionally, organizations such as the Corps of Engineers have been enlisted to monitor water quality, rebuild levees and dams, and create efficiencies in the waterway.
By creating a balance between the needs of the people and the health of the ecosystems, the Mississippi River will stay ecologically sound and prosperous for generations to come.
