New Orleans faces drinking water crisis from
shrinking Mississippi River
BY MIRANDA NAZZARO -
09/25/23 1:07 PM ET
New Orleans is facing a
drinking water crisis amid a saltwater intrusion on the quickly shrinking
Mississippi River.
Local water resources in south Louisiana are being strained as
saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico intrudes into the historically low water
levels of the lower Mississippi River, posing a potential health risk for the
public water systems that rely on this water.
The National Weather Service Mississippi River expects the
river volume to fall to new lows over the next several weeks, Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D)
said in a statement. “Unfortunately, without any relief from the dry weather we are
starting to see the saltwater intrusion creep further up the river despite
efforts to mitigate the problems by the Army Corps of Engineers,” Edwards
said in a Friday statement.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell (D) signed an emergency declaration over
the saltwater intrusion last week, writing that the city is “closely”
monitoring the situation. During a Friday press
conference, Edwards said the state was days away from requesting an
emergency declaration from the federal government to assist with the impacts
of the saltwater intrusion.
Edwards urged residents not to panic or rush to buy bottled
water, adding residents will be notified in advance if salt water is
impacting their area, according to The Associated Press. Around 15
million gallons of fresh water is being brought in for residents in impacted
areas, the AP reported.
Plaquemines Parish in southeastern Louisiana has dealt with
the impacts of the saltwater intrusion since June. Residents there are under a drinking
water advisory, and bottled water is being distributed in the
area.
Edwards noted Friday that worsening drought conditions in
recent weeks could pose a risk for other communities. No parishes upriver
from Plaquemines Parish are likely to see the impact in drinking water until
mid to late October, Edwards’s office said. Areas that could see effects
include the parishes of St. Bernard, Orleans and Jefferson.
The Louisiana Department of Health said it is conducting water
quality testing and analysis while warning against trying to remove sodium
through boiling or filters. Those who are affected will be told to use
bottled water or another freshwater source until told otherwise, the Health
Department said.
Officials are trying to find ways to fight the intrusion of
saltwater, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) construction
of an underwater barrier sill last July to help delay the flow of saltwater.
Edwards said the intrusion overtopped the sill last week as crews prepared
for additional work.
“The Corps of Engineers will pursue every effort within our
authority to support the state and local response to the extreme low-water
conditions,” said Col. Cullen Jones, USACE New Orleans District
commander.
Jones said crews will augment the existing underwater sill to
delay the intrusion by around 10 to 15 days.
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Tuesday, February 20, 2024
Environment: Water Insecurity: Louisiana Salt Water Intrusion. September 2023
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