Saltvatteninträngningar

Saltvatteninträngningar, also known as saltwater intrusion or saline intrusion, refers to the movement of saline water into freshwater aquifers. This phenomenon typically occurs in coastal areas where the freshwater table is in hydraulic connection with the sea. When the freshwater pressure in an aquifer is reduced, for example due to excessive groundwater pumping or changes in sea level, the denser saltwater can push inland and contaminate the freshwater.

The primary cause of saltwater intrusion is the imbalance between freshwater and saltwater pressure. Over-extraction of groundwater for agricultural, industrial, or domestic use lowers the freshwater level, reducing its ability to counteract the pressure exerted by the adjacent seawater. Rising sea levels, a consequence of climate change, also contribute by increasing the overall hydrostatic pressure of the ocean, thereby pushing saltwater further into coastal aquifers.

The consequences of saltwater intrusion are significant. It can render freshwater sources unusable for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial processes. This can lead to water scarcity, agricultural failure, and economic hardship for coastal communities. In some areas, the intrusion can be a slow, creeping process, while in others, it can be more rapid and pronounced.

Preventative and remedial measures include managing groundwater extraction rates, artificial recharge of aquifers with freshwater, constructing physical barriers like impermeable walls, and implementing desalination technologies to treat the contaminated water. Understanding the hydrogeological conditions and carefully managing water resources are crucial for mitigating saltwater intrusion.