Saltwater intrusion continues to pose a significant threat to coastal regions and deltas worldwide in 2025, impacting over 500 million people. This phenomenon, where saline water contaminates freshwater sources, is exacerbated by rising sea levels, reduced freshwater flow, and intensified storms.
The Bengal Delta, home to over 150 million people, serves as a critical case study. Recent research emphasizes the urgent need for integrated water resource management and climate change adaptation measures. Studies indicate salinity levels have increased dramatically, particularly in the western delta, affecting agriculture and drinking water.
Mitigation Strategies and Global Efforts
Innovative approaches like the Offshore Controlled Estuarine and Aquifer Nexus (OCEAN) framework are being explored to manage surface water and groundwater salinity. Examples from California, such as aquifer recharge with freshwater, demonstrate the potential of technology and water resource management in reducing saltwater intrusion. The 27th edition of the Salt Water Intrusion Meeting (SWIM), held in Barcelona in June 2025, focuses on integrating land and ocean approaches to address coastal groundwater challenges.
The Mekong Delta is also implementing measures such as dredging canals and adjusting cropping schedules to mitigate damage from saltwater intrusion. Collaborative studies and standardized data collection are crucial for identifying trends and enabling effective management of saltwater intrusion, safeguarding food security and livelihoods in vulnerable coastal areas.