NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — Governor John Bel Edwards provided an update on the saltwater intrusion in the Mississippi River during a news conference in New Orleans on Friday, Sept. 22.

In July, Edwards declared a state of emergency for Plaquemines Parish due to the saltwater issue. The river’s water level fell, allowing saltwater to flow in and impact drinking water and industrial water supplies.

Now, in September, Plaquemines Parish remains under a drinking water advisory due to the high salt levels in the water.

The saltwater may not only affect Plaquemines Parish. Efforts are being made to keep the saltwater from making its way upriver to New Orleans.

The governor was joined by leaders with the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness and parish officials on Friday to provide updates on the issue.

Check out the full press conference:

Residents looking to keep up with the saltwater progression timeline can check out the saltwater wedge tracker available on the USACE website.

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