Drought threatens drinking water supplies leaving community worried

23 September 2023 , 10:24

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Barges float in the Mississippi River as a portion of the riverbed is exposed (Image: AP)

Water levels along the Mississippi River are low for a second year in a row due to the recent hot and dry weather - and the latest drought has left communities in Louisiana fearing for the availability of drinking water.

Saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico is now creeping up the river, threatening water supplies in areas including New Orleans. The river flow's is normally sufficient to prevent saltwater from moving upstream. But for a second year in a row, hot and dry weather has lowered the Mississippi River's flow, allowing a heavier layer of saltwater to force its way upstream.

There are now concerns that the saltwater could impact the drinking water of thousands of residents in the next few weeks. The state's governor, John Bel Edwards, said Louisiana would "take emergency protective measures with some level of reimbursement available."

There are fears saltwater will enter people's drinking water (AP)

During a news conference, he explained: "Unfortunately, we just haven't had the relief from dry conditions ... so that (saltwater) intrusion is worsening, in the sense that it's moving further up the river." Mr Edwards added that the river is expected to hit historic lows in the next few weeks.

The governor explained: "Most of the state has been experiencing prolonged drought and above-average heat, and has presented a number for challenges including wildfires, drought, heat-related deaths, injuries and so forth and now saltwater intrusion." For residents who rely on the Mississippi River for drinking water, the saltwater intrusion is also a potential health risk as it may cause people to develop increased blood pressure and corrode drinking water infrastructure.

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Dr. Joseph Kanter, State Medical Officer, said at the press conference: "You will stop drinking the water because it doesn't taste right, well before it becomes a danger to your health." Mr Edwards urged residents not to panic and avoid rushing to buy bottled water.

Water levels on the Mississippi River are low for a second year in a row (AP)

Instead, he said residents will be notified in advance if salt water will impact their area. The governor said: "We just need to make sure that we are aware of the situation and that we don’t do anything that would exacerbate it and do anything that we reasonably can, as soon as we can, to help us get through this period of time."

About 2,000 residents living south of New Orleands, from Empire Bridge to Venice, have already been left with no drinking water, and local schools suffered outages after saltwater entered their water systems. The river's low water levels have now prompted LaToya Cantrell, mayor of New Orleans, to sign an emergency declaration for the city on Friday.

In July, Mr Edwards declared a state of emergency for Plaquemines Parish in Louisiana due to the saltwater issue. And many locals said they are fed up of the issue after struggling with basic tasks like cooking, bathing and cleaning.

Byron Marinovich, owner of seafood restaurant Black Velvet, told Fox8: "We are ready to move. We are ready to get out of here. My wife is house shopping today. Everybody wants out. You can't live like this. We have enough issues with internet, mail, and other things and now they can't keep up with basic amenities like water."

Chiara Fiorillo