Mississippi River Shrinks Due to Drought

Vicksburg, Mississippi — The ongoing drought is starting to to take a toll on the nation's water supply. The Mississippi River is shrinking. It's not as deep as it once was, and that's causing the many boats and ships that use it to go aground. Huge areas of river bed sit exposed, looking like desert.

One captain says many are noticing the changes in the river and are having to lighten their loads. According to the American waterways operators, moving cargo by river is $11 a ton cheaper than by train or truck.