Saltwater Intrusion

Saltwater intrusion, the movement of saline waters into freshwater aquifers, typically occurs along coastlines. Many coastal areas are monitoring saltwater intrusion due to growing populations, increasing agricultural and industrial needs, and global climate change. Saltwater intrusion decreases freshwater levels in an aquifer and can lead to the abandonment of supply wells.

Coastal groundwater supplies, when overused, are particularly vulnerable to chloride contamination due to their close proximity to saltwater. Aqua TROLL^® instruments are used to automatically log specific conductivity. By observing real-time changes in conductivity, hydrologists determine the movement of slugs and fronts.