America's Most Crucial Waterway Faces Drying Out Crisis

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🌊 America's Most Crucial Waterway Faces Drying Out Crisis.

Drought conditions in the Midwest and lower-than-normal rainfall in parts of the eastern U.S. is causing water levels to drop on the Mississippi and Ohio rivers for the second consecutive year. The falling river levels pose a risk to shipping along these crucial U.S. freight routes. Water levels in Cairo, Illinois, have already dropped significantly, and further declines are expected by the end of July. The low water levels can lead to barges running aground and narrow shipping lanes. Currently, about 64% of the Midwest is experiencing drought conditions. The low river levels increase transportation costs and can result in reduced cargo capacity on barges. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers may need to dredge channels to ensure ship traffic can continue. Last year, the low water levels caused around $20 billion in economic losses. Construction of a saltwater sill has begun in Louisiana to prevent seawater intrusion into the Mississippi River. While traffic on the river continues for now, further declines in water levels may slow barge shipments. The Mississippi system is crucial for transporting commodities such as coal, oil, natural gas, and chemicals, with about 578 million tons of cargo shipped annually along U.S. inland waterways.

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