What is Seawater Intrusion?

KOMPAS.com – Intrusion sea ​​water is the entry of seawater into the ground through aquifers on land or areas beach. Sea water intrusion happening in many areas coast and the incidence continues to increase. This can be a serious problem for residents living in coastal areas.

Seawater intrusion is the mixing of seawater with underground water around the coast. As we know, sea water contains very high salt. Sea water which is so salty that it cannot be used by humans for daily needs, such as cooking, drinking, even to irrigate fields.

Did you know, only 1 percent of seawater entering groundwater sources has made the water unfit for drinking in terms of taste. Therefore, it is important to prevent this from happening so that the supply of clean water for residents on the seafront is maintained.

Causes of marine intrusion

Reported from United States Geological Survey (USGS), the cause of intrusion is excessive groundwater pumping from the aquifer. This will reduce hydrostatic pressure on the aquifer and draw seawater into the aquifer.

The next cause is rising sea levels. If the sea level rises by just 10 centimeters, this can lead to intrusion of sea water into groundwater as far as 100 meters. The problem is, the current sea level continues to rise due to global warming which makes icebergs continue to melt.

The third cause is development around the coast. Several massive developments around the coast have an impact on seawater intrusion. Examples are the construction of roads, buildings, parking lots, and bridges. This development risks damaging the aquifer layer and making way for seawater to enter it.

Also read: Why is Seawater Salty?

Impact of sea water intrusion

In a study conducted by the State University of Semarang in 2016, the total distribution of the influence of high seawater intrusion reached 34.3 percent of the total area of ​​Tegal City. While those affected in the moderate level are 12.7 percent.

The easiest thing to see from this mixing of sea water is that when used for washing, the water will not foam. In addition, clothes that are washed with sea water will wear out faster.

Not only that, people also feel that bathing with water contaminated with seawater will become sticky on the skin. This water is certainly not fit for consumption. Therefore, the surrounding community must buy clean water for cooking and drinking purposes.

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