Climate Change Accelerating Drying Up of Waterways

Posted: November 26, 2022 3:00 am

There has been much talk over the last several months regarding the rapidly drying rivers. What can be done to combat this increasingly worrisome issue?

Waterways Fall to Record Low Water Levels

The Mississippi River was experiencing water levels that were so low this fall that you could walk to a previously unaccessible island. But the Mississippi is far from the only body of water on the planet dealing with these issues.

Lake Mead has also been running so low that human remains and other ancient relics have been turning up. The issue with Lake Mead stems from the low water levels in the Colorado River, the tributary that feeds into this lake in the Desert Southwest. The Colorado River is now listed as the most endangered river in the country by the American Rivers nonprofit group. This river is reportedly 19% smaller when compared to measurements from the year 2000.

The drought is not limited to the U.S. The Danube River running through Europe also revealed sunken warships dating back to World War II as the water levels dropped to historic lows this summer. The Yangtze River in China has also seen a drastic drying thanks to extreme weather that is being blamed on climate change. In addition to severe drought conditions, much of the world has also been dealing with a greater number of heat waves in recent years.

All of these revelations beg the question, what can be done to reverse the problem so that water supplies are not threatened?

Increase in Water Restrictions

Experts believe that water restrictions must be put in place in order to combat the problems triggered by drought. This can be a hard thing for people to accept, particularly if they do not see the rapidly dwindling resources with their own eyes.

As a result, conservationists are focusing their efforts on highlighting the water levels of the Colorado River running through the Grand Canyon. This natural wonder is a highly recognized landmark and popular tourist destination, helping experts to send the message that water restrictions need to be taken seriously.

About 10% of Americans lean on the Colorado River for their drinking water. Cities that rely on this waterway include Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. Given this impact, it is easy to see why the river’s water levels are so alarming.

A spokesperson for American Rivers said that every state in this impact zone needs to come together to implement water restrictions. These restrictions may include improving access to water though the removal of dams, limiting usage for private residences and businesses, encouraging landscaping that does not require as much water, and more.

Some of this action has already been put in place. For instance, dams throughout the Klamath River in Oregon and California will begin to be removed starting in 2023. Conservationists are hopeful that this action will restore the vital salmon population on the West Coast while also supporting more water access as the river returns to its natural equilibrium.

Think Local

You may be wondering what you can do on a daily basis to improve the situation. Eating more local food is one of the easiest and most impactful steps. This will help reduce the need for food transport along the waterways. Local farmers can also be taught to be more efficient with their water usage compared to larger corporate entities. By supporting these local food sources, you are encouraging smarter water use and mitigating waste.

When it comes to politics, be sure to pay attention to what local candidates have to say about water sustainability. Use your vote to install leaders who will make water conservation a priority. It is also important to elect leaders who will fight for funding for the critical infrastructure needed to ensure a clean drinking water supply.

Providing Support

Another good way to support conservation efforts is to donate money to organizations committed to this cause. You can also consider giving your time to volunteer for water keepers and other types of service organizations. Not only will volunteering provide a direct impact but it will also educate you so that you can empower others in your community.

All of these efforts taken together will go a long way in helping to restore water levels to their natural state.

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