What risks does salt water intrusion pose?

Saltwater intrusion could induce a shift from agriculture to aquaculture, which may be more profitable. Few studies are available for saltwater intrusion. Sea level rise would erode coastal wetlands, particularly if hard structures protect human occupations.

What is saltwater intrusion and why is it a problem?

Saltwater intrusion, the technical name for the problem, occurs when too much groundwater is pumped from coastal aquifers, thereby upsetting the subterranean balance between inland freshwater and the relentless ocean. Water moves through the ground as it does in rivers: from high elevation to low.

What is saltwater intrusion and how does it affect the groundwater?

Saltwater intrusion is the movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers, which can lead to groundwater quality degradation, including drinking water sources, and other consequences. Water extraction drops the level of fresh groundwater, reducing its water pressure and allowing saltwater to flow further inland.

What are the main reasons for saltwater intrusion?

Generally, saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers is caused by two mechanisms:

• Lateral encroachment from the ocean due to excessive water withdrawals from coastal aquifers, or.
• Upward movement from deeper saline zones due to upconing near coastal discharge/pumping wells.

How can we prevent saltwater intrusion?

Best management practices in areas at high risk of saltwater intrusion: Well drilling: Well siting: Avoid drilling in locations immediately adjacent to the coast e.g. within 50 m. Well depth: Avoid drilling excessively deep within areas proximal to the coast.

How does salt water encroachment cause water stress?

Once saltwater intrudes into a groundwater body its recovery is nearly impossible even in the longer term. Hence freshwater demand has to be met by abstractions from other groundwater or surface water bodies, often over long distances, transferring and increasing the water stress to distant areas.

Where is saltwater intrusion most likely to occur?

Saltwater intrusion occurs when saltwater mixes with freshwater and contaminates well water. It is common in coastal areas.

What methods prevent saltwater intrusion?

These methods include reduction of pumping rates, relocation of pumping wells, use of physical surface or subsurface barriers, natural or artificial recharge (pressure or positive barriers), pumping of saline water along the seacoast (abstraction or negative barriers), and combination techniques (mixed barriers).

How can we solve the problem of salt water?

As the researchers explain in their study, there are two main ways to desalinate salt water. One way is to remove pure water molecules from the salt water, as done in distillation and reverse osmosis, particularly for water with a high salt concentration.

What causes salinization?

Inappropriate irrigation practices (such as the use of salt-rich irrigation water) and insufficient drainage both cause salinisation. Over-extraction of groundwater can lower the normal water table and lead to the intrusion of seawater.

Is groundwater saltwater or freshwater?

Of the remaining 1 percent, almost all of it — about 96 percent — is groundwater, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The rest of our freshwater is found at the surface in streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands.

Is saltwater intrusion reversible?

Many coastal communities rely on groundwater to satisfy their drinking and farming water needs. But removing too much of that groundwater can change the fluid pressure of underground aquifers, drawing seawater into coastal aquifers and corrupting water supplies. Saltwater intrusion is often irreversible.

How can you prevent salt water intrusion?

How can I prevent saltwater intrusion in Practice water conservation in your home. Have any abandoned or unused salt water contaminated wells on your property decommissioned by a licenced driller. Encourage your neighbors to follow water conservation practices because if you live in a highly developed area, it is likely that widespread over pumping of the freshwater aquifer is causing

What causes water intrusion?

As its name signifies, water intrusion is, by the unwelcome presence of water – usually rainwater – leaking into the home. It can be caused by structural damage, poor installation of building materials, gradual degradation as a result of the elements, or defective building materials.

How does salt affect vegetation?

Salt injures vegetation by: • Increasing water stress. In the root zone, water molecules are held very tightly by salt ions, making it difficult for… • Affecting soil quality. The sodium ion component in rock salt becomes attached to soil particles and displaces soil… • Affecting mineral

How does salt water intrusion work?

Water extraction drops the level of fresh groundwater, reducing its water pressure and allowing saltwater to flow further inland. Other contributors to saltwater intrusion include navigation channels or agricultural and drainage channels, which provide conduits for saltwater to move inland.