Saltwater pushing into Mississippi River could compromise Louisiana drinking water

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards speaks in Baton Rouge, La., Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2022. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

The Mississippi River is facing a crisis of saltwater making its way up the waterway from the Gulf of Mexico.

Drinking water in some parts of Louisiana is facing a risk from the salt water, resulting in the Bayou State’s Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) saying he is only a number of days away from asking for an emergency declaration from the federal government, according to The Associated Press. The river is also experiencing a drought.  

“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,” Edwards said at a news conference Friday, according to AP.

Plaquemines Parish, in the southeastern portion of the state, is, as of now, under a drinking water advisory from high salt levels in the water, and bottled water is being handed out to residents, The AP reported.

On Friday, the Mayor of New Orleans, LaToya Cantrell (D) signed an emergency declaration with a focus on the saltwater intrusion. Her office said it would allow the city’s “agencies to thoroughly prepare for and respond to any impending impacts,” in a news release. 

“It also allows for a more streamlined response and for state and federal agencies to deploy resources, if necessary,” the release continued.

Tags drought John Bel Edwards LaToya Cantrell Louisiana Louisiana Mississippi river Mississippi River New Orleans

Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Regular the hill posts

Main Area Top ↴

THE HILL MORNING SHOW

Main Area Bottom ↴

Testing Video

ASR RAW Boys Lacrosse: Coronado 8, Poway 6

ASR RAW Boys Lacrosse: Coronado 8, Poway 6
ASR RAW Girls Lacrosse: Coronado 15, Cathedral ...
Former Torrey Pines teammates take home another NCAA ...
Boys Lacrosse: Torrey Pines 11, Bishop's 9
More Videos

Top Stories

See All

Most Popular

Load more