A Salty Problem For People Near The Mouth Of The Mississippi Is A Wakeup Call For New Orleans
The heating element removed from Monique Plaisance’s water heater in September was disintegrating, streaked with rust and covered in a dry crust. She blamed the corrosion on the water piped in from the area’s longtime drinking water source: the Mississippi River.
Author:Celeste PearlReviewer:Kelly HayesOct 28, 20232.3K Shares44.5K Views
Monique Plaisance's water heater, removed in September, displayed severe corrosion, rust streaks, and a dry crust, with the Mississippi River's water source being held responsible for the deterioration.
A similar situation unfolded nearby at the Black Velvet Oyster Bar and Grill. Byron Marinovich, the owner, revealed, "We're draining the hot water heater every few days to get most, or a good bit, of the salt out of that. The ice machine has been off since the third week of April."
Both Plaisance's residence and Marinovich's restaurant are situated in the Buras community of rural Plaquemines Parish, approximately 60 miles southeast of New Orleans and 20 to 30 miles upriver from the Gulf of Mexico, where the Mississippi converges. Like New Orleans, the parish relies on water drawn from the river.
However, this year, the Gulf's influence became evident. A wedge of saltwater gradually encroached upon the river's bottom, starting in the spring.
By early October, water intakes in towns such as Boothville, Port Sulphur, and Pointe a la Hache had been submerged.
To address the issue, Plaquemines officials implemented various measures to provide potable water to the southeastern part of the parish. These measures included delivering bottled drinking water and utilizing barges filled with fresh water to dilute the saltwater before reaching the intakes. Advisories against drinking tap water were lifted on October 18.
Plaisance and Marinovich, among others, believe that the remedial efforts were initiated too late. They contend that parish officials did not take action until the water posed a threat to more densely populated areas, including Belle Chasse, which houses over 10,000 residents, approximately half of the mostly rural parish's population.
Parish President Keith Hinkley defended their actions, stating, "We've been working on this since June the 19th. We have not dragged our feet. We moved as fast as we could in getting these projects up and running."
Several factors contributed to the saltwater intrusion. A significant factor was the Midwest drought, which reduced the flow of water into the Mississippi and its tributaries.
In Vicksburg, Mississippi, north of New Orleans, the river's flow rate was approximately 50% slower and its stage height about 95% lower than normal between late September and early October. This was compared to data from 2013 to 2022, as analyzed by the U.S. Geological Survey.
Parts of states like Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, all within the vast Mississippi River basin, are experiencing extreme drought conditions. Additionally, reduced rainfall in the Ohio River watershed, which contributes half of the Mississippi's flow reaching New Orleans, played a role.
Dredging of the lower Mississippi by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, intended to accommodate large cargo ships serving vital ports, also contributed to the lower, slower river flow and the creation of a deep, wide river channel that allowed gulf water to infiltrate.
Earlier in the fall, projections indicated that saltwater would reach the New Orleans area by late October, prompting residents to stock up on bottled water, while public officials undertook emergency preparations as if preparing for an approaching hurricane.
Authorities in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans planned to pipe water from farther up the Mississippi to dilute the saltwater. The cost was expected to be covered partially by the federal government under a presidential emergency declaration issued in September. However, updated projections negated the need for this measure, partly due to the Corps' construction of an underwater dam in Plaquemines and recent rains in western Louisiana.
While the threat to the New Orleans area has diminished, local leaders consider it a wake-up call. They are contemplating investments to address future challenges, such as permanent pipelines or large-scale reverse osmosis filtration systems. Collaboration among Gulf Coast communities to safeguard water systems and discussions on climate change are also being considered as part of the solution.
Celeste Pearl
Author
Celeste Pearl is an accomplished writer and expert in numerology, astrology, and spirituality.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and over 6 years of writing experience, Celeste brings a wealth of expertise to her articles, making complex topics accessible and engaging for readers.
Her passion for metaphysical sciences is evident in her insightful content, where she explores the depths of these subjects with clarity and depth.
Beyond her professional pursuits, Celeste enjoys delving into spiritual practices and connecting with nature for inspiration.
Kelly Hayes
Reviewer
Kelly Hayes is a seasoned journalist with over 10 years of experience, specializing in news reporting and horoscope analysis. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism from New York University, enhancing her credibility and expertise in the field.
Kelly's writing style is characterized by clarity, depth, and a commitment to delivering credible information. Her published works across various platforms showcase her knack for engaging storytelling and insightful analysis.
Readers trust Kelly's expertise in both current events and astrological interpretations, making her a sought-after authority in journalism.
Apart from her professional activities, Kelly enjoys exploring new cultures, practicing yoga, and engaging in philanthropic activities.
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