US Army Corps of Engineers' Dredging Worsens Saltwater Intrusion, Threatening New Orleans Drinking Water

22 posts • GPT (3)

Updated Oct 12, 2023, 10:40 AM

The US Army Corps of Engineers has been aware that its dredging of the Mississippi River contributes to saltwater intrusions, which is now threatening the drinking water in New Orleans. Deepening the river for shipping vessels has worsened the problem. The drought in the South has intensified, causing saltwater to intrude the Mississippi River. However, there is some hope for wetter conditions in the coming winter.

The saltwater intrusion is a significant concern, as it could expose nearly a million residents in four parishes to dangerous levels of saltwater. Experts believe that this is not a one-time event but something that will occur more frequently. The low flow in the Mississippi River has caused issues for barges and furthered the saltwater incursion. Climate change is also playing a role in reducing the river's flow. The shrinking Mississippi River poses a drinking water crisis for New Orleans. The saltwater intrusion problem is not solely due to climate change but also the engineering of the lower Mississippi River, which has intensified saltwater intrusions. Efforts are being made to protect New Orleans's drinking water, but the situation remains concerning.

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Sources

Washington Post Opinions

@PostOpinions

New Orleans has been counting down the days to when its freshwater might become undrinkable. @RobertGebelhoff has the latest: https://t.co/qSp3nQXdEa

The Atlantic

@TheAtlantic

Saltwater is invading the Mississippi, thanks to this summer's widespread drought. “This is not a one-off or once-in-100-years thing,” one expert told @nancywalecki. “It’s something we’re going to be seeing rather often.” https://t.co/obCeg775lc

PBS News

@NewsHour

The massive saltwater wedge moving up the Mississippi River, the area’s main source of drinking water, threatened to expose nearly a million residents in four parishes to dangerous levels of salt water. https://t.co/3stZ7CHtxR

Story Timeline

2 years ago•Latest version

US Army Corps of Engineers Aware of Saltwater Intrusion Threatening New Orleans' Drinking Water

2 years ago

US Army Corps of Engineers Aware of Saltwater Intrusion Threatening New Orleans' Drinking Water

2 years ago

US Army Corps of Engineers' Dredging Worsens Saltwater Intrusion, Threatening New Orleans Drinking Water

2 years ago•Original version

US Army Corps of Engineers' Dredging of Mississippi River Threatens New Orleans Drinking Water, Saltwater Intrusion Slows

US Army Corps of Engineers' Dredging Worsens Saltwater Intrusion, Threatening New Orleans Drinking Water

Sources

Story Timeline

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