Louisiana Declares Emergency Over Saltwater Intrusion in Drought-Stricken Mississippi River

Saltwater from the Gulf of Mexico is moving up the Mississippi River, which is at historic low levels due to drought.
The saltwater wedge is threatening drinking water supplies in communities south of New Orleans.
Plaquemines Parish is already under a drinking water advisory, and New Orleans has declared an emergency.
The Army Corps of Engineers is barging fresh water into the river and building an underwater levee to slow the saltwater intrusion.
Louisiana's governor may soon request a federal emergency declaration to get assistance combatting the crisis.