The History of the Dry Mississippi
The Mississippi River is the most iconic river in the United States, with its vast expanse spanning from Minnesota to Louisiana. But even with its majestic and mysterious allure, the Mississippi River occasionally gets dry, a fact many don’t know. To help answer why the Mississippi sometimes runs dry, it’s important to look back at the history of the mighty river.
The Mississippi River has been around since the last Ice Age, and since then it developed as a major trading route for the countless cultures that lived in and near its path. This not only lent itself to the growth of many populous cities, such as St. Louis and New Orleans, but also a rich source of revenue and resources for farmers, ranchers, and industry.
Changes in Landscape and Climate
One of the major factors influencing the Mississippi River’s”dryness”is changes in the landscape and climate. Recent research has found that although the volume of water moving through the Mississippi is still quite high, much of it is used to fill reservoirs and is diverted to irrigate agricultural fields, depriving the river of the flow it needs to reach its mouth.
Furthermore, the increasing temperatures due to modern climate change have also played a factor, decreasing the rate at which snow melts in the winter, which has a heavy influence on the amount of water the Mississippi receives.
Finally, over the years, the introduction of invasive species to the river has also caused issues. These species are often better adapted to the warmer temperatures, thriving in conditions that the native species cannot handle. As a result, the river has seen a drastic decrease in its biodiversity, leading to further issues with the overall water supply it needs to flow properly.
Dams and Humans
In addition to the natural forces at play, humans have had a profound effect on the health of the Mississippi too. From dams to industry, modern development has drastically impacted the size and flow of the waterway.
In 1940, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started building a system of dams along the Mississippi that were meant to provide power, irrigation and flood control. These dams have caused many of the rivers original currents to be redirected, leading to shallow or nonexistent areas, as well as variances in sediment transportation and other effects that further disrupt the river’s natural ebb and flow.
In addition, with massive industrial development came increased pollution, both from fertilizer runoff and sewage. This influx of pollutants has been steadily depleting the oxygen content of the river and degrading its overall quality, which in turn has been disastrous for the aquatic life that relies on the river for food and shelter.
Mismanagement of the River
The mismanagement of the Mississippi River is also something that has had a very real effect on its dryness. In some places, such as the Upper Mississippi, waters have been over-allocated to various interests, leaving little for the river to actually flow through and sustain its natural path.
In addition, some of the decisions made by those in power have not been the most environmentally conscious or technically sound. For instance, one example is the government’s decision to use large amounts of powerful herbicides and pesticides to combat the spread of invasive species in the river. These decisions have had ripple effects, further damaging the ecosystems of the river and leading to more disruption in the water flow.
The Impact on Fish and Wildlife
The dryness of the Mississippi has had a very real impact on the animals and ecosystems that rely on it for food and shelter. The decrease in available water for fish to live in has led to a drastic reduction in their numbers, threatening the way of life of many animals and plants that depend on them.
Furthermore, the decrease in oxygen levels has caused a decrease in the amount of available food for the species that already inhabit the river. This, coupled with the decrease in water levels, has had a devastating effect on biodiversity in the river, as many species are unable to survive in these increasingly hostile conditions.
Solutions for Reviving the Mississippi
Fortunately, there are things that can be done to help revive the Mississippi—some of which are already underway. For instance, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working to restore the vitality of the river through a host of initiatives, such as improving water quality, tackling the effects of invasive species, and protecting important habitats for the species that live in and rely on the river.
In addition, the federal government is looking at ways to improve the management of the River and its tributaries, such as stricter regulations on waste discharge or efforts to reduce the amount of pollutant runoff. Finally, initiatives to better educate the public on the importance of the river and how to care for its ecosystems are being put into place, as citizens are key to protecting and preserving the Mississippi and other threatened waterways.
Decreased Tourism on the River
The Mississippi has long promised a wealth of beauty and adventure to those who visit, but with its current dryness, many locations along the river have seen a decrease in tourist numbers. From famous sandbars to beloved fishing grounds, the lack of water has caused many of these sites to become inaccessible, leaving would-be adventurers disappointed.
This decrease in demand for the river has had an economic impact, as many towns and businesses depend on the tourism that the Mississippi brings in. But on a deeper level, it has had an impact on the culture of the river too, as many of the personal and spiritual connections the river fosters have been severed due to its dryness.
Reusing and Conserving Water
Although the dry Mississippi is a major issue, it’s not without a solution. Some of the best options involve ways to better reuse and conserve water, such as installing better irrigation systems, planting drought-resistant plants, and using rainwater collectors. These methods can not only help reduce water waste, but also help lessen the impact of disruptions in the water supply.
In addition, many states and localities have instituted water conservation benchmarks, ranging from reduced watering hours to restrictions on certain wasteful practices. Finally, implementing policies that better reflect the importance of the health of the river, such as stricter regulations on pollution and development, is also key.
Preserving our Rivers for the Future
All of these combined are key if we want to help ensure that our rivers are here for generations to come. From the Mississippi to the Colorado, our rivers are inextricably linked to the environment, providing habitat for wildlife, resources for those that rely on them, and joy and adventure for those who explore them. To preserve them for the future, we must educate ourselves and those around us on their importance and work together to ensure their lasting health and success.
