Rising sea levels threaten Philadelphia’s drinking water supply

Fears are growing that seawater could contaminate drinking-water intakes serving millions in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey, as an interstate agency warns that existing measures to keep saltwater at bay may fail due to rising sea levels and worsening droughts.

Jon Hurdle reports for Inside Climate News.

In short:

The Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) says its current water management plan may not prevent saltwater from creeping into drinking-water intakes near Philadelphia as sea levels rise.
A report shows that local sea levels have been rising at more than twice the historical rate, with projections indicating further increases that could push saltwater dangerously close to key water sources.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a key climate agency, faces major staffing cuts under the Trump administration, raising concerns about the accuracy and availability of future sea-level rise forecasts.

Key quote:

"Elevated sea level is the new normal. Then you layer on top of that a reduction in upstream water from a severe drought. Bigger rains keep downstream pressure on the salt front during a storm, but if the frequency of 30- or 60-day droughts continues or increases, then it’s countered."

— John Jackson, senior research scientist at the Stroud Water Research Center

Why this matters:

Rising sea levels and climate-driven droughts threaten the water supply for millions in Philadelphia and southern New Jersey. If saltwater infiltrates drinking-water intakes, it could corrode infrastructure, alter water taste, and pose health risks, particularly for those with sodium sensitivities. The problem extends beyond human consumption — an increasingly saline Delaware River could disrupt ecosystems, including fish migration and wetlands. Without effective management, the advancing "salt front" may make securing fresh water increasingly difficult.

insideclimatenews.org

Rising sea levels threaten Philadelphia’s drinking water supply

Watchdog groups urge Senate to investigate Samuel Alito over oil stock conflicts

An outpouring of frustration over Pennsylvania’s rapid data center growth

China goes electric, but can it get off coal?

French and African leaders announce $11 billion in renewable energy for Africa

The surprising climate fix Democrats and Republicans both love

As property insurance crisis worsens, some lawmakers target Big Oil

The toxic aftermath of the L.A.-area fires: Why contamination is keeping people out of their homes

Multiple Houston-area oil and gas facilities that have violated pollution laws are seeking permit renewals

One facility has emitted cancer-causing chemicals into waterways at levels up to 520% higher than legal limits.

Pennsylvania health advocates say Trump’s first 100 days in office have caused “100 harms” to local communities

“They're terrorizing these scientists because they want to keep them silent.”

Regulators are underestimating health impacts from air pollution: Study

"The reality is, we are not exposed to one chemical at a time.”

Two years into his term, has Gov. Shapiro kept his promises to regulate Pennsylvania’s fracking industry?

A new report assesses the administration’s progress and makes new recommendations

An open letter from EPA staff to the American public

“We cannot stand by and allow this to happen. We need to hold this administration accountable.”

New evidence links heavy metal pollution with wildfire retardants

“The chemical black box” that blankets wildfire-impacted areas is increasingly under scrutiny.