The primary function of the levees along the Mississippi River is to prevent flooding by controlling water levels.

Levees along the Mississippi River are designed to prevent flooding by managing the river’s water levels, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall or snowmelt. These embankments help keep the river within its banks, protecting nearby communities, farmland, and infrastructure from the destructive effects of flooding. The levees are a crucial part of the river's flood control system, especially in areas where the land is prone to flooding or is below sea level.