Rising Salinity in US Groundwater

October 23, 2023

A study conducted by the US Geological Survey (USGS) has revealed a concerning trend of rising salinity in groundwater across the United States. The study, based on three decades of data from 82 networks of wells, indicates increased levels of sodium and chloride ions, suggesting growing salinity in the nation’s groundwater.

Key Findings

Increased Salinity: The USGS study analyzed data from 82 separate networks of wells covering various depths and locations, including domestic, urban, and agricultural areas. The analysis identified rising levels of sodium and chloride ions in the groundwater, indicative of higher salt content. Additionally, the concentration of dissolved solids has been on the rise, potentially indicating broader water contamination.
Risk to Infrastructure: Salty water is more corrosive and poses a risk to buildings and infrastructure, particularly pipes and plumbing systems. This can lead to costly repairs and maintenance.
Ecosystem Consequences: Groundwater is a crucial source for many streams, and elevated chloride ion concentrations can create toxic conditions for aquatic life. This can have adverse effects on reproduction and biodiversity in affected ecosystems.
Health Implications: A 2021 investigation linked increased radium levels, a carcinogenic element, to the use of road salts. Rising salinity levels in groundwater could exacerbate this health concern, posing risks to communities that rely on groundwater for drinking water.
Regional Variation: The study found that increased salinity is particularly prominent in colder regions where road salt usage is extensive. However, arid regions also exhibit salinity increases, possibly due to irrigation-related evaporation.

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