Dry states taking Mississippi River water isn’t a new idea. But some mayors want to kill it
Associated PressST. LOUIS — Community leaders along the Mississippi River worried that dry southwestern states will someday try to take the river’s water may soon take their first step toward blocking such a diversion. But Strifling said it was difficult to get an agreement together decades ago and it would be even harder to do so now “just due to the increased level of political polarization that exists.” Wellenkamp said a Mississippi River compact, besides blocking diversions, would ensure that nearby water users also act in a sustainable way. The talk of diverting water to the Southwest will hopefully “light a fire under some states” to approve a Mississippi River compact, said Olivia Dorothy, director of river restoration with the conservation group American Rivers. Dorothy said a compact would be a good way to say “this is our water.” “If you want the Mississippi River water, you can move here,” she said.
History of this topic
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Water crisis continues in Mississippi, weeks after cold snap
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