Saltwater Intrusion

One visible sign of saltwater intrusion is the spread of ghost forests (as shown in the photograph at the top of the page).

• These areas were once healthy coastal forests that supported a variety of plant and animal life, helped filter water, stored carbon, and protected inland areas from storms.

• As saltwater moves in, the trees can no longer survive, leaving behind stands of dead, gray trunks and stumps.

• This shift not only changes the landscape, it leads to the loss of important habitat for wildlife and reduces the benefits these forests once provided.

• As saltwater intrusion becomes more common, ghost forests are transitioning into salt marshes.

Saltwater can also damage infrastructure:

• When saltwater reaches underground pipes, it can lead to corrosion and increase maintenance needs for wastewater and drinking water systems.

• Over time, this can strain local utilities and lead to service disruptions. It can also create problems for homeowners who rely on private wells and septic systems.

• Saltwater intrusion can also weaken roads, bridges, and culverts. Salt accelerates the breakdown of materials like concrete and metal, leading to faster wear and more frequent repair needs.

• In areas already dealing with frequent flooding, saltwater exposure adds another layer of stress on critical infrastructure.

When saltwater moves into agricultural lands, it can reduce crop yields and damage the soil.

• Salt in the soil makes it harder for plants to absorb water and nutrients, weakening crops or preventing them from growing altogether.

• Over time, repeated salt exposure can degrade soil quality, making the land less productive and, in some cases, no longer suitable for farming.