Lower Mississippi Saltwater Intrusion: What to Know About Your Water

Date: 10/04/23

Due to low water levels in the lower Mississippi River, saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico is currently intruding upstream. This phenomenon is known as saltwater intrusion. Saltwater intrusion can affect local water supplies because many public drinking water systems in south Louisiana rely on fresh water from the Mississippi River.

Plaquemines Parish has been impacted by saltwater intrusion since June 2023. Additional parishes that may be affected include Orleans, St. Bernard and Jefferson.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH), along with regional, state and federal partners, is actively monitoring this situation and conducting water quality testing and analysis to provide regular updates to the general public and healthcare providers about impacts to water systems and necessary precautions.

The Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) has established the website Emergency.la.gov where accurate information about the saltwater intrusion can be found. Please monitor information provided by local, state and federal authorities, including LDH, GOHSEP and the Army Corps of Engineers.

What to know about your water:

How can I test my water if it tastes or looks different?

Water systems are conducting increased water monitoring and will issue drinking water advisories about their system’s water quality.

How do I know whether my drinking water contains salt?

Local and state authorities will notify residents when their water is affected.

What can I do to reduce or eliminate salt from my drinking water?

Sodium cannot be easily removed from drinking water and cannot be removed through boiling or conventional filtration like Brita filters or other common household store-bought water filters. Once your water system is affected, it is recommended to use bottled water or some other freshwater source.

How do I determine what water system supplies water to my home?

Please check your water bill to identify your water system and its contact information. 

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