Gulf Of Mexico Saltwater In Drought-Hit Mississippi River Threatens Louisiana Agriculture

PORT SULPHUR, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 09: In an aerial view, barges filled with fresh water transfer the water to the Port Sulphur Water Plant on October 09, 2023 in Port Sulphur, Louisiana. As a saltwater intrusion continues to push its way up the drought stricken Mississippi River towards New Orleans, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are using pipes to move dredged silt to fortify an underwater sill along the bottom of the Mississippi River that should slow the movement of the saltwater wedge. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers started barging fresh water to water treatment facilities in Plaquemines Parish to help dilute the salinity content to levels safe for water treatment. If the saltwater intrusion isn't slowed it could find its way up river to the New Orleans area by the end of October, threatening fresh drinking water for residents. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)