Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON – Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) today expressed concern over the saltwater intrusion into fresh water sources in southeast Louisiana, which is affecting millions of residents who rely on the river for drinking water.

Speaking about the issue, Sen. Kennedy stated, "Now, I am an optimist who worries. I am worried about this because about a million of my 4.6 million people in my state depend on this river for drinking water. And, we're in the middle of watching the saltwater come up the river and we don't think it's going to stop coming up the river until sometime around, I don't know, the end of October, maybe. We could be wrong, but I want the Senate and I want my people to understand that their local, their state and their federal governments are dealing with this problem."

Sen. Kennedy expressed gratitude towards President Biden for declaring a disaster declaration, enabling the assistance of FEMA. He also highlighted the involvement of the Corps of Engineers, who have constructed an underwater dam below the city of New Orleans to mitigate the issue.

The Corps of Engineers and FEMA have prepared to deliver fresh water by barge if needed, with the ability to provide up to 36 million gallons per day. Sen. Kennedy commended the strength of the federal government and the Corps of Engineers for their efforts.

The saltwater intrusion is a result of record low water levels in the Mississippi River, allowing saltwater from the Gulf to infiltrate freshwater areas that supply drinking water to parts of southeast Louisiana. The long-term solution relies on substantial rainfall in the upper Mississippi River Valley to raise the river's level and push the saltwater back into the Gulf.

Until then, Louisiana, FEMA, and the Corps of Engineers are investing in mitigation efforts that are estimated to last at least three months. The Corps is currently raising the underwater sill in Plaquemines Parish by 25 feet to impede the progress of saltwater intrusion.

Furthermore, fresh water is being transported by barges to water treatment plants in affected areas to ensure a continued supply of drinking water.

For more information, watch Sen. Kennedy’s full remarks here.