Water balance for the estuary is a fluctuating variable. The estuary is where river waters blend into the salty gulf waters. Temperature, sediment load, and weather patterns are natural forces that influence this blending process. Since the estuary is a habitat to a large population of wildlife and plants, there are additional natural influences on the water quality. Hydrological modifications are manmade influences. We build levees, dredge canals, or cut through natural ridges changing the natural flow of water. The impact of this type of activity can be threefold: first, the canal itself creates paths for waters of higher salinity to intrude, forcing animals either to adapt or to relocate. Native plants have little choice but to either adapt to their new environment or die. Second, erosion can occur along the canal banks with the passing of each vessel, converting more land to open water. Third, the dredged material alters the natural flow of water across the estuary landscape, sometimes creating lakes, and in other cases, depriving large areas of water, nutrients, and sediments. |
