American Queen Docking Could Cause Discolored Water For Mud Island

(Memphis) The Mississippi River’s low water level is forcing the American Queen out of her home port at Beale Street Landing, because the water is only about six feet deep.

The steamboat’s alternate docking spot is at Green Belt Park at Mud Island.

The docking will offer some great views for residents, but it could also present some issues.

The boat is using a hose to hook up to the island’s water pipes to refill its water supply.

Island Park Apartments sent a letter to residents telling them they may have discolored water because of the hose.

Benny Lendermon, with the Riverfront Development Corporation, told us Mud Island residents may see some discolored water, but it shouldn’t cause alarm.

“It sort of shakes up the line and sometimes you get the rust in the water, is probably what they’re talking about. There may be a potential for that,” said Lendermon.

Terra Lynne Robinson lives on Mud Island and isn’t so sure about discolored water, “Kind of brown is not safe. Clear is safe. At least I know it is. That would be a problem for me.”

Low river levels are also forcing the American Queen to dock in Memphis longer.

What was meant to be a one day stop, has turned into a three-day stop, because the boat can’t port in Vicksburg, Mississippi due to shallow water.

“These tourists are fortunate enough to spend three days in Memphis, hopefully spending lots of money and enjoying Beale Street,” said Lendermon.

Lendermon expects the river to get even lower, so the American Queen may continue having to dock at Mud Island throughout the fall.