What Is Saltwater Intrusion in the Mississippi River?

Saltwater intrusion occurs when dense, salty water from the Gulf of Mexico pushes its way upstream into the Mississippi River due to low river flow. Instead of being flushed out by the river’s normal current, saltwater creeps inland along the riverbed, forming what scientists call a saltwater wedge.

This phenomenon becomes a significant concern during late summer and early fall, especially during years of drought or prolonged dry spells. Without enough upstream flow, the river loses its ability to keep saltwater at bay, threatening both municipal water supplies and industrial operations.

Why Is Saltwater Intrusion Happening More Often?

Low River Flow and Drought Conditions

Periods of reduced rainfall across the Mississippi River watershed can dramatically lower river levels. With less water volume, the river’s natural “push” against incoming Gulf saltwater weakens.

Climate Change and Extreme Weather

Warmer temperatures lead to higher evaporation rates and more intense “flash droughts.” These conditions not only lower river flow but also extend the periods when intrusion risk is highest.

The Saltwater Wedge Effect

Saltwater is heavier than freshwater, so it flows underneath the river’s freshwater layer. Over time, it can advance far inland without being visible on the surface, silently contaminating freshwater intakes.

Impact of Saltwater Intrusion on Communities and Industry

Drinking Water Contamination

When saltwater enters municipal intakes, it can make tap water unsafe or unpleasant to drink, especially for people with hypertension or kidney issues due to the elevated sodium content.

Industrial Operations

Industries that depend on freshwater, such as oil refineries, food processing facilities, and power plants, face operational risks. Saltwater can corrode equipment, reduce production efficiency, and lead to costly downtime.

Agriculture

Irrigation water with high salinity can damage crops and degrade soil quality, making farming less viable in affected areas

Historical Examples of Saltwater Intrusion Events

• 2022 Near New Orleans: A saltwater wedge advanced dangerously close to municipal intakes, prompting emergency response measures.

• Repeated Seasonal Events: Over the past decade, late summer low water levels have increased the frequency of saltwater threats, especially in southeastern Louisiana.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers often constructs underwater levees or sills to slow saltwater intrusion, but these measures take time and don’t remove salt from already contaminated water supplies.

How ADVANCEES Systems Can Help During Saltwater Intrusion Events

When saltwater intrusion impacts municipal or industrial water supplies, speed is critical. ADVANCEES offers ready-to-deploy water treatment systems capable of handling high-salinity water, providing an immediate, portable solution.

Available for Immediate Deployment:

• ARKQUA 200 – Produces 200 m³/day of potable water

• ARKQUA 500 – Produces 500 m³/day of potable water
  Both systems are available for rental or leasing, with a minimum 3-month lease term, making them ideal for temporary emergency response.

Why ARKQUA Systems Are Effective Against Saltwater Intrusion

• Seawater Reverse Osmosis (SWRO) Technology: Designed to treat high-TDS water, such as seawater from the Gulf or brackish intrusions

• Containerized Design: Rapid deployment to affected areas without major site preparation

• Turnkey Operation: Includes reverse osmosis, multimedia filtration, and CIP flushing in one container

• Flexible Use Cases: Municipal backup, industrial processing water, and community relief

ADVANCEES in Emergency Response and Water Security

In saltwater intrusion events, the ability to quickly restore freshwater availability is critical to preventing disruptions in daily life and business operations. By combining rapid deployment capability with advanced treatment technology, ADVANCEES provides a practical solution to one of the Mississippi River’s growing challenges.

If you are a municipality, industrial facility, or emergency response agency facing the risk of saltwater intrusion, ADVANCEES can mobilize the ARKQUA 200 or ARKQUA 500 immediately.

Contact us today to secure your system before the next low river season.