LOWER MISSISSIPPI SALTWATER INTRUSION

Due to extended drought across the entire Mississippi River basin, the water levels of the lower Mississippi River are extremely low, allowing salt water from the Gulf of Mexico to come upstream. This phenomenon, known as saltwater intrusion, can affect local water supplies because many public drinking water systems in south Louisiana rely on fresh water from the Mississippi River. 

Regional, state, and federal partners are actively monitoring the situation and conducting water quality testing and analysis to provide regular updates to the general public and healthcare providers about impacts to water systems and necessary precautions. 

We encourage residents of the southeast Louisiana parishes affected by the saltwater intrusion to stay informed by signing up for local text alert systems.