CNN
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Officials announced on Friday that the US Army Corps of Engineers intends to transport 36 million gallons of freshwater each day into the lower Mississippi River near New Orleans. This action is being taken in response to the increasing threat of saltwater intrusion from the Gulf of Mexico, which is endangering the region’s drinking water supply.
This decision comes amidst declining water levels for the second year in a row, caused by severe drought conditions and high temperatures during the summer months. The central US has experienced a significant reduction in rainfall, exacerbating the situation.
As water levels continue to decrease, the risk of saltwater intrusion becomes more pronounced in Louisiana. Without the usual strong flow of the Mississippi River, ocean water is able to move northward into the drinking water systems of the state.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards stated during a news conference on Friday that the Mississippi River is projected to reach historically low levels in the coming weeks, further exacerbating the situation.
In order to combat saltwater intrusion, the state and the Army Corps of Engineers are collaborating to increase the height of an underwater levee in the Mississippi River. The levee was initially constructed in July and will be raised by 25 feet, providing additional protection against the encroaching saltwater, according to Army Col. Cullen Jones.
During the news conference, Jones also revealed that the Corps plans to transport millions of gallons of water daily to local water treatment facilities.
The construction of the levee was announced by the Corps last year and involved dredging sediment from the riverbed to create a barrier, known as a sill, to impede the flow of saltwater into the lower levels of the river.
Typically, sufficient rainfall upstream helps alleviate drought conditions and prevents saltwater intrusion. However, Governor Edwards expressed concerns that there will not be enough precipitation in the foreseeable future along the Mississippi River to alleviate the situation.
“Unfortunately, we just haven’t seen the relief from the dry conditions that we need, and the situation continues to worsen,” stated Edwards.
Colonel Jones estimated that it will take approximately 24 days to raise the levee. Once the height is increased, the levee will provide a delay of 10 to 15 days in saltwater intrusion, offering temporary relief.
Jones also revealed that fifteen million gallons of freshwater are expected to be transported as early as next week, with a daily requirement of 36 million gallons to help combat the problem.
This freshwater will be mixed with the water at treatment centers to create a safe supply, as explained by Jones.
In addition, Governor Edwards announced plans to deliver bulk quantities of bottled water to the New Orleans area. In response to saltwater intrusion, Mayor LaToya Cantrell declared a state of emergency for the city on Friday.
This declaration empowers city agencies to prepare and respond to any impacts, and allows state and federal agencies to mobilize resources efficiently, according to the city’s statement.
At a recent news conference, Plaquemines Parish President W. Keith Hinkley reported that clean water was being distributed to approximately 2,000 affected residents.
Governor Edwards clarified on Friday that there is no need to stockpile bottled water as there is an ample supply available both locally and nationally.
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