Saltwater Incursion of Mississippi River Slower than Expected

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says saltwater making its way up the Mississippi River from the Gulf of Mexico is moving slower than anticipated

Projections have the "saltwater wedge" not reaching the west bank of New Orleans until late November.

The wedge is a stretch of ocean water that sinks under the freshwater of the Mississippi when less water flows downriver. Two consecutive years of drought have led to the contamination of some drinking water supplies. A new sill is being built to hold the saltwater back, and freshwater supplies will be shipped in to dilute and desalinate the water.