Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards of Louisiana has made the decision to request federal help to address an emergency that has been looming over the state for some time now. As saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico continues to travel up into the Mississippi River, the crisis grows ever stronger.
In an average year, the flow of the normal river keeps salt water at bay. However, with a lack of rain reducing the river’s flow, a dense layer of salt water is spreading north from the Gulf of Mexico.
To make matters worse, historic river lows are expected in the coming weeks according to Governor Edwards who issued an emergency declaration on September 5th. It’s clear that something needs to be done soon or else communities will suffer far-reaching consequences.
???? Salt water from the Gulf is moving up the Mississippi River at a rate of about 1.5 miles per day due to low river water levels. Dates below are U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers estimates of when salt water could reach water treatment facilities across the Greater New Orleans area. pic.twitter.com/nNIN8SeyJw
— Brantly Keiek (@BrantlyWx) September 23, 2023
The Army Corps of Engineers attempted to construct an underwater barrier against salt water intrusion but unfortunately still fell short.
Colonel Cullen Jones says that 10 inches of rain are needed across Mississippi Valley to push back this saltwater wedge which is already below sea level and moving upriver beneath fresh water flows.
#Drought expanded in the Midwest, Lower Mississippi Valley, Southwest and Pacific Northwest on the US #DroughtMonitor this week, while easing in Texas. States along the Gulf Coast remain in the grip of intense #flashdrought. The low #MississippiRiver is hindering navigation. pic.twitter.com/DlfyDkyCGH
— Denise Gutzmer (@DroughtDenise) September 21, 2023
However, current weather forecasts indicate that these intrusions could remain present for several weeks up to two months.
Currently Plaquemines Parish has been affected so much by this threat they have issued drinking advisories and have been handing out bottled water to residents as a precautionary measure.
Plaquemines Parish citrus farms worry that the salt water creeping up the Mississippi River will destroy their crops either from the water’s salinity or the chemicals used to treat the contaminated water.
They just experienced one of the worst droughts recorded in LA@FOX8NOLA pic.twitter.com/14r9ZtrM6K
— Andrés Fuentes (@news_fuentes) September 22, 2023
It’s essential for both Democrats and Republicans alike to take action against this problem before it’s too late.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell also took action by issuing her own emergency declaration in hopes of preparing for any incoming saltwater wedges while Colonel Jones says he will try his best to deliver 15 million gallons worth fresh water into southern parishes over time.
This may not seem like much compared to what’s needed (36 million gallons per day) but it’s better than nothing.
