This fall we are celebrating the rivers of America with the 40th Anniversary of the US Clean Water Act. The Oct 18, 1972 Clean Water Act led to the cleanup of the Mississippi River, as well as most of its tributaries — and in fact most rivers everywhere in the Unites States — most of which had long been suffering with neglect from industry, agriculture and cities along their channels. New York’s Hudson River, Ohio’s Cuyahoga, and New Mexico’s Rio Grande all benefitted from the Clean Water Act and subsequent enforcement. The Mississippi River rebounded from decades of degradation after the 1972 law went into place, although in recent years it has been increasingly suffering from nutrient overload (notably nitrogen) and urban storm-water runoff.
This summer of low water has led to massive kills of river fish who have become trapped in dead back channels and isolated pools which dried up. The health of the Mississippi depends upon water quality, but also quantity. When the water gets too low at New Orleans there is a “wedge” of salt water that drives upstream along the river bottom and threatens freshwater intakes for all people who derive river drinking water between New Orleans and the Gulf. How can we ensure healthy levels of flow? By defending wetlands along the river and its tributaries and creating new wetlands in lowlands connected to the main channel. Wetlands connected to the river act as buffers to change in water flow, and furthermore clean the water as it flows in and out.
The current US Farm Bill proposed by the Senate has provisions that encourage farmers to preserve wetlands and use simple conservation practices when farming in highly erodible soil. The House bill lacks these incentives. Call or write your representatives and let them know what you think of this shortcoming!
Americans deserve clean water – it is vital for our health, communities, environment and economy. We have made great progress in reducing pollution during the past 40 years. But many challenges remain and we must work together to protect clean water for our families and future generations. Everyone has an impact on the water and we are all responsible for making a difference. Water is worth it. Our children are worth it. Our grandchildren are worth it. Don’t you agree?