What is the primary concern of saltwater intrusion?

What is the primary concern of saltwater intrusion?

• A. The contamination of freshwater sources
• B. The overuse of groundwater
• C. The reduction of water supply
• D. The increase of ocean water levels

Answer: (A)

The primary concern of saltwater intrusion is the contamination of freshwater sources. When saltwater from oceans or seas encroaches into freshwater aquifers, it compromises the quality of drinking water supplies. This can occur due to various factors, such as excessive groundwater extraction, which lowers the water table and allows saltwater to move inland, or due to rising sea levels, which can also increase the pressure on groundwater systems. Freshwater sources are vital for human consumption, agriculture, and ecosystem health. When these sources become contaminated with salt, it becomes increasingly difficult and costly to treat the water to make it suitable for use. Consequently, managing and protecting freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion is essential to ensure safe drinking water and maintain the overall water supply for communities.

The primary concern of saltwater intrusion is the contamination of freshwater sources. When saltwater from oceans or seas encroaches into freshwater aquifers, it compromises the quality of drinking water supplies. This can occur due to various factors, such as excessive groundwater extraction, which lowers the water table and allows saltwater to move inland, or due to rising sea levels, which can also increase the pressure on groundwater systems.

Freshwater sources are vital for human consumption, agriculture, and ecosystem health. When these sources become contaminated with salt, it becomes increasingly difficult and costly to treat the water to make it suitable for use. Consequently, managing and protecting freshwater resources from saltwater intrusion is essential to ensure safe drinking water and maintain the overall water supply for communities.