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Palm Tree
Mississippi River Saltwater Intrusion — Challenges & Solutions
By
Sustainability Awakening
February 1, 2026
Saltwater Is Moving Up the Mississippi River
A growing threat to drinking water and communities
Saltwater Is Moving Up the Mississippi River
A growing threat to drinking water and communities
Saltwater from the Gulf is pushing upstream into the Mississippi River.
Why it matters:
Freshwater supplies are at risk.
Saltwater from the Gulf is pushing upstream into the Mississippi River.
Why it matters:
Freshwater supplies are at risk.
Low river levels make it easier for saltwater to move inland.
Context:
Drought and heat reduce freshwater flow.
Low river levels make it easier for saltwater to move inland.
Context:
Drought and heat reduce freshwater flow.
Millions depend on the Mississippi River for drinking water.
Impact:
Salt can contaminate water intakes.
Millions depend on the Mississippi River for drinking water.
Impact:
Salt can contaminate water intakes.
Saltwater corrodes pipes and damages water systems.
Result:
Higher costs and system failures.
Saltwater corrodes pipes and damages water systems.
Result:
Higher costs and system failures.
Salty water harms crops and industrial operations.
Risk:
Economic losses increase with prolonged intrusion.
Salty water harms crops and industrial operations.
Risk:
Economic losses increase with prolonged intrusion.
Engineers build underwater barriers to slow saltwater.
Purpose:
Protect drinking water intakes.
Engineers build underwater barriers to slow saltwater.
Purpose:
Protect drinking water intakes.
Sustainable water management is essential.
Includes:
Conservation, monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades.
Sustainable water management is essential.
Includes:
Conservation, monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades.
Sea level rise and extreme drought increase intrusion risk.
Outlook:
Events like this may become more frequent.
Sea level rise and extreme drought increase intrusion risk.
Outlook:
Events like this may become more frequent.
What Can Be Done Now
Protect freshwater through planning and adaptation.
What Can Be Done Now
Protect freshwater through planning and adaptation.
Learn more