The 1988 Saltwater Intrusion in New Orleans: Lessons Learned and Future Plans

In 1988, New Orleans faced a saltwater intrusion crisis as the Mississippi River's salinity levels rose, threatening the city's drinking water supply. The salt wedge, caused by denser saltwater moving upstream, reached downtown New Orleans before being diluted with fresh water. Temporary underwater dams were built to block the saltwater intrusion in subsequent years. The intrusion in 1988 was exacerbated by a record drought across the country, leading to concerns about power outages, higher prices, and damage to marine life. Efforts were made to mitigate the crisis, including the construction of a river sill and exploring water diversion options, but the situation improved as rainfall increased and the river's flow rose.