An Overview of Mississippi's Rivers and Lakes

Largest rivers, lakes, and streams

The state of Mississippi is home to several prominent rivers, lakes, and streams. The Mississippi River is by far the most famous, stretching along the state's western border. Ross Barnett Reservoir is one of the largest reservoirs, offering recreation and water supply for the Jackson area. Sardis Lake, located in the north, is another significant water body, known for its recreational opportunities. The Pearl River, flowing south into the Gulf of Mexico, is another major waterway in the state.

Source of rivers, lakes, and streams

Mississippi's rivers and lakes primarily receive their water from local rainfall and regional watersheds rather than distant mountain snowmelt. The Mississippi River, however, gathers water from as far away as Minnesota and the Rocky Mountains. The Yazoo River and other tributaries are fed by regional streams and rainfall, ensuring a steady water flow. Local groundwater also plays a role in maintaining the water levels of various lakes and streams across the state. Reservoirs like Ross Barnett Reservoir rely heavily on rainfall and local rivers for water.

Types of rivers in Mississippi

Mississippi has a variety of river types, including perennial rivers like the Pearl and the Big Black River, which flow year-round. Tributary rivers, such as the Yazoo River, feed into larger systems like the Mississippi River. Exotic rivers do not exist here as most rivers are fed locally. Distributary rivers, such as those found in the Mississippi River Delta, branch out and flow into the Gulf of Mexico. Man-made canals, such as the Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet Canal, also play a significant role in water management and transport.

Types of lakes in Mississippi

Mississippi's lakes are primarily fluvial, formed by river systems such as the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers. Anthropogenic lakes, such as Sardis Lake and Grenada Lake, are common, created for flood control, water supply, and recreation by federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Natural lakes, including oxbow lakes like Eagle Lake, formed from river meanders, are also found in the state. There are no glacial or volcanic lakes due to the state's geographic location, but solution lakes are present in areas with limestone deposits.

Direction of river flow

The majority of rivers in Mississippi flow in a north-south direction. The Mississippi River, the state’s most famous river, flows from north to south along the state’s western border. The Pearl River and Big Black River also follow a generally southern course toward the Gulf of Mexico. However, some smaller streams and tributaries flow east-west or meander in various directions due to the state’s flat terrain. For instance, the Yazoo River runs parallel to the Mississippi River for much of its course before joining it.

Natural vs. man-made lakes

Mississippi's lakes are a mix of natural and man-made bodies of water. Oxbow lakes, like Eagle Lake, are natural, formed from abandoned river meanders. However, many of the state’s larger lakes, such as Ross Barnett Reservoir and Sardis Lake, were man-made for flood control and recreation. These man-made lakes were created by federal agencies like the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the mid-20th century to manage water resources and provide recreational opportunities. State agencies also play a role in managing smaller lakes and reservoirs.

Rivers and transportation

The Mississippi River is a major transportation artery for both the state and the nation, carrying millions of tons of cargo annually. Barges transport goods such as grain, coal, and petroleum products along the river, making it a vital economic resource. In 2019, over 500 million tons of cargo moved through the Mississippi River system. While the Pearl and Yazoo Rivers are navigable, they do not handle as much commercial traffic. Most smaller rivers and streams in Mississippi are used for recreational purposes rather than commercial transport.

Number and purpose of dams

Mississippi has numerous dams, primarily used for flood control, irrigation, and recreation. Major dams, such as the Sardis Lake and Grenada Lake dams, are managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. These dams help control flooding during heavy rainfall, especially in areas prone to overflow from rivers like the Mississippi and Yazoo. In addition to flood control, these dams create reservoirs that provide water for agriculture, power generation, and recreational activities like fishing and boating. Some smaller dams are used for irrigation in agricultural regions.

Recreational use of water bodies

Mississippi's lakes and rivers offer a wide range of recreational opportunities. The Ross Barnett Reservoir is a popular spot for boating, fishing, jet skiing, and kayaking, attracting visitors from across the state. Sardis Lake, with its ample shoreline, is another favorite for house boating, fishing, and picnicking. The Mississippi River offers excellent opportunities for kayaking and paddleboarding, while Pickwick Lake is known for its fishing and water sports. Many of the state's water bodies are also ideal for bird watching and nature photography.

Water bodies supporting agriculture

Several rivers and lakes in Mississippi play a crucial role in supporting the state’s agriculture industry. The Mississippi River provides essential irrigation water for farms along its banks, particularly in the Delta region, where cotton, soybeans, and rice are grown. Reservoirs like Grenada Lake and Sardis Lake also contribute to agricultural irrigation systems, helping farmers maintain crops during dry seasons. Smaller tributary rivers, such as the Tallahatchie and Yalobusha Rivers, provide water for irrigation in rural areas of the state.

Pollution in rivers and lakes

Pollution has affected several of Mississippi's rivers and lakes over the years, primarily due to agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and urban development. The Mississippi River, in particular, has faced pollution challenges, with high levels of nitrogen and phosphorous contributing to algae blooms. The Yazoo River and Pearl River have also experienced pollution issues, affecting fish populations and water quality. Efforts by state agencies and environmental organizations have been made to reduce pollution and restore the health of these waterways. Programs aimed at controlling runoff and improving wastewater treatment have had some success.