Federal Disaster Aid Allocated for Louisiana as Saltwater Intrusion Menaces State’s Freshwater Supply

On Wednesday, President Joe Biden declared the provision of federal disaster assistance for the state of Louisiana. The state is grappling with a significant influx of salt water ascending the Mississippi River, thereby jeopardizing potable water resources in its southern regions.

The presidential directive sanctions the Department of Homeland Security, alongside the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to orchestrate all relief activities, as stated in a White House press release. This executive action will also facilitate the allocation of additional tools, personnel, and federal funding to counteract the issue of saltwater intrusion into the freshwater supply.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards expressed gratitude toward the Biden administration in a separate press release on Wednesday, stating, “I appreciate the expeditious response from the Biden administration to prioritize and address the urgent needs of the people in South Louisiana.”

This marks the second consecutive year in which salt water from the Gulf of Mexico has penetrated increasingly further up the Mississippi River, endangering freshwater sources for communities dependent on the river. Normally, the robust flow of the Mississippi prevents excessive salt water from traveling too far inland. However, a nationwide trend of hot, arid conditions this summer led to a drought, reducing the river’s flow rate and water levels.

In specific regions of Plaquemines Parish, situated in the southeastern extremity of Louisiana where the Mississippi River concludes its journey into the Gulf of Mexico, inhabitants have been reliant on bottled water for culinary and drinking purposes since June. Health advisories cautioning against drinking the water have been circulated in some communities within the parish. These advisories are especially relevant for individuals with kidney conditions, hypertension, those adhering to low-sodium diets, as well as infants and expectant mothers.

The saline intrusion is progressing further upstream and is projected to affect Orleans, St. Bernard, and Jefferson parishes by mid-to-late October, according to authorities.

Earlier this week, Governor Edwards penned a letter to President Biden, urgently soliciting federal intervention. In his correspondence, the governor highlighted the grave nature of the situation, asserting that it exceeds the capabilities of both state and local governance. He emphasized that federal aid is indispensable “to preserve life, secure property, and maintain public health and safety, or to mitigate or preclude the risk of a catastrophe.”

While the authorities are hoping for rainfall to restore the river’s diminished flow, they are concurrently adopting proactive measures. This includes elevating the stature of underwater levees designed to retard or block the inflow of salt water, as well as the transportation of 15 million gallons of freshwater to treatment installations in the affected areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Saltwater Intrusion

More about Saltwater Intrusion

• White House Press Release
• Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards’ Statement
• Saltwater Intrusion Impact on Plaquemines Parish
• Drought Conditions Leading to Saltwater Intrusion
• Federal Disaster Assistance Explanation
• Saltwater Intrusion and Its Implications