Unusual Climate Phenomenon Occurs: Seawater Flows Backwards into the River.

An unusual climate phenomenon has occurred in the U.S. where seawater is flowing backwards into the Mississippi River.

According to foreign media reports such as CNN on the 5th (local time), the salt concentration in two water supply facilities in the lower Mississippi River region in New Orleans, Louisiana, increased by more than 50% compared to measurements from early last month.

The New Orleans authorities reassured residents that there is no problem using tap water, but expressed concern that “the concentration of salt is steadily increasing. From the 22nd to the 28th, the salt concentration will exceed 100ppm, which is unsafe.”

A ‘drinking water advisory’ has already been issued to residents in the southeastern Plaquemines Parish region of Louisiana.

According to experts, even if the salt concentration in the water exceeds 100ppm, healthy individuals would not face any issues. However, people with weakened immune systems, such as those with heart disease or high blood pressure, as well as infants and the elderly, may face problems if they consume the water.

This seawater backflow phenomenon in the Mississippi River is believed to be related to climate change.

The Mississippi River typically pushes out seawater due to the strong water level and speed downstream. However, this year, due to the heatwave and severe drought in the central region, the water level has dropped, and the river flow has weakened, causing the seawater to flow backwards into the river, according to experts’ speculation.

Barry Keim, a climatologist and professor at Louisiana State University, explained that the drought in the central region could be a part of climate change and the El Niño phenomenon.

According to a CNN report, there has been no rain in parts of the southwestern U.S., including Louisiana, for more than three months since mid-June.

Moreover, most of the water supply facilities in the region are not equipped with devices to filter out salt, increasing the potential threat to residents’ drinking water. If salt remains in the water pipes for a long time, lead components can flow into the tap water.

John Bel Edwards, the Governor of Louisiana, has requested a state of emergency from President Joe Biden. If approved, it would allow for federal disaster assistance.