Saltwater Intrusion

Saltwater intrusion occurs when saltwater from oceans or seas moves into freshwater aquifers, which are underground layers of water. This typically happens in coastal areas where excessive groundwater extraction reduces the natural barrier that keeps saltwater at bay. As a result, the freshwater supply can become contaminated with salt, making it unsuitable for drinking and irrigation. Saltwater intrusion can harm ecosystems, agriculture, and drinking water sources, posing challenges to communities that rely on groundwater. Managing water use and preserving natural buffers is essential to mitigate this issue.