New Orleans Mayor Declares Emergency as Saltwater Intrusion Threatens Water Supply
New Orleans, LA – New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has signed an emergency declaration following reports of an intrusion of saltwater into the Mississippi River that could potentially impact the water supply in the region. Officials have expressed concerns as weather forecasts indicate that river volume will drop to historic lows in the coming weeks, allowing saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico to infiltrate upstream in Louisiana.
“We will continue to work with our partners locally and state-wide as we closely monitor this situation,” Cantrell wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
The issue of saltwater intrusion has been affecting Plaquemines Parish since June due to drought conditions, and it has only worsened since then. Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards highlighted the potential impact and said, “additional communities along the Mississippi River could be impacted.”
In Plaquemines Parish, the intrusion of saltwater at the Boothville Water Treatment Plant water intake has disrupted the drinking water supply for residents and businesses in southeastern Louisiana from Empire to Venice, according to local officials. It has prompted concerns among the public about the safety of their drinking water.
To mitigate the issue, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers constructed an underwater barrier sill in July to create an artificial basin and delay the ingress of saltwater. However, this week, the upriver intrusion of saltwater overtopped the sill’s elevation, prompting the need for further action.
Governor Edwards announced that additional work will soon begin to delay the increase in saltwater intrusion. The plan involves enlarging the existing sill to delay the intrusion by an estimated 10 to 15 days. However, with minimal rainfall expected and the river’s water level continuing to drop, officials are concerned about finding long-term solutions to protect water systems and intake points.
“Unfortunately, without any relief from the dry weather, we are starting to see the saltwater intrusion creep further up the river despite efforts to mitigate the problems by the Army Corps of Engineers,” Edwards said.
In light of the situation, the governor emphasized the importance of staying informed and relying on credible sources for updates. He encouraged the public to avoid panic and misinformation, pointing out that similar challenges were faced in 1988 and valuable lessons were learned.
Local, state, and federal officials are now working together to assess the situation and determine the necessary steps to safeguard the water supply. As the crisis unfolds, residents are advised to stay tuned for further updates from official sources.
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