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Salt water creeping up Delaware River in worrying sign for big fresh water source

www.theguardian.com Salt water creeping up Delaware River in worrying sign for big fresh water source

Source of Philadelphia’s drinking water sees salt line pushed closer to city by drought and sea level rise

Salt water creeping up Delaware River in worrying sign for big fresh water source

Summary

Saltwater is creeping up the Delaware River, threatening the drinking water supply for 14 million people, including Philadelphia, due to drought and rising sea levels.

The salt line, typically near Wilmington, Delaware, is now 20 miles farther north, approaching Philadelphia’s water intakes.

Officials are countering this by releasing reservoir water to push the salt front downstream, but long-term concerns persist as climate change exacerbates droughts and sea level rise.

The situation highlights the need for conservation and further study to protect water resources in the region.

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