The Nation's Most Endangered River: Our Water, Our Watershed

The Mississippi River is at the heart of our nation's history, culture, and economy, shaping the communities along its banks and connecting people across its vast watershed. Iowa is located entirely within the Mississippi River watershed; A raindrop in central Iowa will channel through the Des Moines River, pool in Lake Red Rock, and carry agricultural and industrial runoff from southeastern Iowa into Keokuk where it will then meet the Mississippi River. Released today by American Rivers, the Mississippi River is now designated as the most endangered river in the nation.  

This designation does not come lightly. Previous rivers were designated based on industrial pollution, agricultural runoff, habitat loss, and riverbank erosion. The Mississippi River is gravely impacted by these issues – and Iowa is a repeat offender. Iowa delivers more agricultural nutrient runoff to the Gulf than any other state along the river. This nutrient runoff contributes to excessive algae growth and a deoxygenated environment for aquatic life. Known as gulf hypoxia, this habitat destabilization is dangerous not only for fish, frogs, and fronds, but also for those that rely on the Mississippi River for drinking water. 

The Mississippi River provides drinking water for over 20 million Americans from Minnesota to Louisiana. In Iowa, municipal water systems on riverfront communities are strained by influxes of nutrient runoff. Ratepayers carry the burden of paying – both monetarily and in quality – for the drinking water provided. In addition to drinking water reliance, the river also funnels commerce, tourism, and recreation through the watershed.  

As we recognize its significance, we must also acknowledge the challenges it faces and reaffirm our commitment to protecting and restoring this vital natural treasure for future generations. Now designated as the most endangered river in the nation, the Mississippi River faces an important crux: following the trajectory, worsening pollution at the Gulf, and compromising public health for riverfront communities, or alternatively charting a new course, one with nation-wide support, care, and pride for an historic environmental asset.  

This month, IEC called on Governor Kim Reynolds to proclaim June 2 as National Mississippi River Day to celebrate the river and signal for support. Reducing runoff from Iowa farms and fields, now with a reinvigorated purpose to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries, will benefit not only Iowans but also our neighbors downstream. 

IEC is excited to partner with One Mississippi to foster advocacy through Mississippi River Days of Action in June where Iowans can participate in riverfront events. Learn more about the new holiday to celebrate the Mississippi River’s past, present, and future on One Mississippi’s website. 

Photo from mississippiriver.org.