The mighty Mississippi river serves as the border between many states in the US, and has fed people, animals and plants for millennia. One of the lesser-known rivers that eventually feeds into the Mississippi is the Missouri River. It is the longest tributary in North America, and it is also the sixth-longest river in the world
The Missouri river begins in Montana and flows south to join the Mississippi before it empties into the Gulf of Mexico. Approximately forty percent of the total runoff from the Mississippi catchment is fed by the Missouri river. This massive contribution has helped to shape the formation of the entire basin, from the Minnesota and Ohio rivers to the Mississippi and its tributaries.
Water conservationists are currently exploring the ways in which the Missouri could be managed sustainably, with a focus on maintaining the water quality, reducing the amount polluted runoff, and preventing soil erosion. These efforts are also helping to preserve wildlife habitats and vegetation around the banks of the Missouri. Many species are dependent on the river, including the critically endangered pallid sturgeon which is only found in the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers.
The Missouri is also an important waterway for agricultural, industrial and recreational activities. A significant number of towns and cities have cropped up along its banks, with the most populous being Kansas City, currently the second-largest city in Missouri.
The Missouri river has definitely seen its share of challenges, historically and currently. It was known as the Big Muddy to the Native Americans because of its fast-flowing and dangerous waters. But despite its wild aspects, it is also a source of inspiration. Its access to remote landscapes has made it a destination for many outdoor enthusiasts.
In 2019, Missouri experienced one of the most intense floods in modern history. More than 3000 homes were damaged, and an estimated $2 billion of agricultural land was lost. While this is tragic news, it is a reminder to us of the importance of preserving our waterways. The preservation of the Missouri and the Mississippi rivers may be essential to our future.
The Role of the People to Protect Rivers
The conservation and preservation of our rivers relies heavily on the actions of individuals and organisations. Governments, non-profit organisations and private businesses alike have a responsibility to protect and restore these precious natural resources.
Each stakeholder must play its role. Governments need to implement tough regulations that protect the environment and impose sanctions on any businesses and individuals that violate these regulations. Non-profit organisations and private businesses need to actively strive to minimise their impacts on the rivers, by educating and informing people on their responsibility to preserve their river.
Individuals also have a vital role to play. We can start by being mindful of our water usage and buying habits. We can look for sustainable alternatives to everyday products such as purchasing recycled materials and energy-efficient appliances. We can actively voice our opinion on practices that put our rivers at risk and support those initiatives that are working hard to make a difference.
More importantly, we can get involved in river conservation projects. We can join organisations like the John Smith Water Charity which seeks to restore rivers and provide access to clean water. We can also donate time, money or products to help them fight for the preservation of our rivers.
Finally, we can take a more active role in our communities and spread the message about the importance of river preservation. With enough collective action, we can make a real difference in the way we use and conserve our rivers.
River Pollution
One of the most significant threats to the Missouri and Mississippi rivers is pollution. Every year, billions of tons of waste, oil and hazardous chemicals are funneled into our rivers. This waste has a devastating effect on the health of the rivers and the life that it supports.
The main sources of water pollution are agrochemical runoff from farms and municipalities, industrial waste from production plants, as well as sewage and garbage disposed of in rivers. These pollutants can have a significant impact on the aquatic plants and animals, as well as people who use the river.
The biggest challenge is to find ways to reduce this pollution. The first step is to identify the sources of pollution, and then to take measures to reduce their impact. This includes measures such as improving water treatment systems, increasing public awareness of the effects of river pollution, and implementing laws and regulations to protect our rivers.
The second step is to clean up the polluted rivers. This involves removing debris and toxic materials from the rivers, as well as restoring the damaged ecosystems.This requires the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including the government, non-profits and the private sector.
Finally, long-term plans and strategies must be put in place to ensure that rivers are protected from further pollution. This includes measures such as setting up waste management schemes, incentivising sustainable development, enforcing environmental regulations, and introducing fines for companies and individuals who pollute the rivers.
Negative Effects of Dams on Rivers
The construction of dams along rivers is a major threat to our rivers. Every day, about 15,000 dams, mostly for the purposes of hydroelectric power generation are built across the globe.
This affects the health of rivers in many ways. The dams restrict the natural flow of water and disrupt the habitats along the riverbanks. This compromises the migration of fish and other species, leading to the demise of many aquatic creatures. Additionally, dams can also reduce water quality and increase the risk of flooding.
The negative effects of dams are further magnified if they are not managed properly. If the dams are not monitored regularly, the water level can rise or fall suddenly, with devastating effects on the river ecosystem. In some cases, this can also lead to water shortages in neighbouring areas.
The construction of dams has been an issue of contention for many years. Proponents argue that the dams are necessary for clean energy and jobs. Opponents, on the other hand, point to the negative effects on the river’s ecology and the displacement of people.
Hence, the decision to build a dam should be made after weighing both the pros and cons and understanding the longer-term implications. The cost of construction, regulation and maintenance of dams should also be taken into account.
Restoring Rivers
Given the critical role of rivers in preserving ecological integrity, it is essential that we find ways to restore our rivers. We need to assess the health of our rivers and identify the sources of pollution, and then introduce measures to reduce them. This can involve changes in legislation, the introduction of environmental management systems, and more education and awareness about river pollution.
We also need to consider the development of innovative solutions such as the use of artificial wetlands to filter out pollutants from rivers. Additionally, the desalination of saltwater can be used to supplement the diminished freshwater sources.
Moreover, we need to invest in river restoration projects, such as regenerative agriculture and reforestation. These projects also have the potential to create jobs, improve water shortages, and mitigate flood risks.
Finally, it is essential that we all understand our role in restoring our rivers. We need to create a culture of responsible use and protection of these invaluable natural resources, and be proactive in our efforts to preserve and restore them.
