New Orleans, lower Mississippi Valley bracing for saltwater intrusion as Mississippi River nears historically low levels

New Orleans, lower Mississippi Valley bracing for saltwater intrusion as Mississippi River nears historically low levels

For the second consecutive year, New Orleans and the lower Mississippi Valley are bracing for saltwater intrusion as the Mighty Mississippi nears historically low levels. Hot, dry conditions this past summer have led to a considerable drop in water levels along the river. With lower than usual flow rates in the river, saltwater is creeping north up the river, threatening water drinking systems.