brackish water

Brackish water is a mix of saltwater and freshwater, commonly found where rivers meet the sea. This type of water has a higher salinity than freshwater but less than seawater.12

Hydrology and Impacts

Saltwater intrusion, the encroachment of brackish water or seawater into freshwater supplies, is a significant ecological problem. This can contaminate freshwater sources, damage agricultural land, and alter landscapes. Causes include rising sea levels due to global warming, increased extreme weather events, excessive groundwater withdrawal, and river diversion for irrigation.3

The effects of increased salinity are far-reaching. It can ruin wells, groundwater basins, and aquifers, leading to freshwater scarcity for drinking and irrigation. Consuming water with high salt concentrations poses health risks, including hypertension and kidney problems. For agriculture, excess salt can inhibit plant growth and lead to soil deterioration and loss of farmland productivity. Mitigation efforts include building desalination plants, implementing water management plans, and developing salt-tolerant crops.32