The residents of New Orleans are accustomed to preparing for natural disasters like hurricanes and floods
In addition to familiar threats, New Orleans faces a unique challenge—an intrusion of salty water moving up the Mississippi River, endangering the city's drinking water supply
Unlike sudden storms, this crisis has a prolonged lead time, with the worst saltwater intrusion expected late in October
Prolonged exposure to salty water could corrode the city's lead-lined pipes, compounding the problem
The crisis is a result of drought conditions in the Midwest, reducing water levels in the Mississippi River, allowing saltwater from the Gulf to intrude upstream
The "saltwater wedge" could reach water treatment plants near New Orleans in about a month, affecting up to a million people in southeastern Louisiana
Officials are taking measures to slow the intrusion, including strengthening underwater barriers and transporting fresh water by barge
The duration of the intrusion remains uncertain, with preparations made for up to three months
Climate change intensifies drought conditions, making this crisis potentially more severe than previous dry years
Federal authorities have been alerted, and President Biden authorized FEMA to assist in managing the crisis. Public officials urge residents to stay informed and remain calm