New Orleans Declares Emergency Over Saltwater Intrusion
New Orleans Declares Emergency Over Saltwater Intrusion
By Sustainability Awakening
By Sustainability Awakening
Updated: February 7, 2026
Updated: February 7, 2026
New Orleans Declares a Water Emergency
Saltwater threatens the city’s drinking water supply
New Orleans Declares a Water Emergency
Saltwater threatens the city’s drinking water supply
Saltwater is moving upstream into the Mississippi River.
Why it matters:
The river supplies drinking water to New Orleans.
Saltwater is moving upstream into the Mississippi River.
Why it matters:
The river supplies drinking water to New Orleans.
Low river levels allow saltwater to push inland.
Cause:
Drought and reduced freshwater flow.
Low river levels allow saltwater to push inland.
Cause:
Drought and reduced freshwater flow.
High salt levels make water unsafe to drink.
Risk:
Damage to pipes and treatment systems.
High salt levels make water unsafe to drink.
Risk:
Damage to pipes and treatment systems.
Hundreds of thousands rely on this water supply.
Concern:
Hospitals, homes, and businesses.
Hundreds of thousands rely on this water supply.
Concern:
Hospitals, homes, and businesses.
Officials are reinforcing barriers in the river.
Goal:
Block saltwater from reaching intakes.
Officials are reinforcing barriers in the river.
Goal:
Block saltwater from reaching intakes.
Alternative water sources are being prepared.
Includes:
Pipelines, storage, and conservation.
Alternative water sources are being prepared.
Includes:
Pipelines, storage, and conservation.
Saltwater intrusion is becoming more frequent.
Reason:
Climate change increases drought risk.
Saltwater intrusion is becoming more frequent.
Reason:
Climate change increases drought risk.
Saltwater intrusion is becoming more frequent.
Reason:
Climate change increases drought risk.
Saltwater intrusion is becoming more frequent.
Reason:
Climate change increases drought risk.
Use water carefully and stay informed.
Advice:
Follow city guidance and updates.
Use water carefully and stay informed.
Advice:
Follow city guidance and updates.
Other river cities could face similar threats.
Other river cities could face similar threats.
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