A deeper dive into the complexities of stopping seawater intrusion
Seawater is slowly pushing inland, threatening the northern Salinas Valley’s groundwater — and protecting it is more complicated than simply pumping less water. Derrik Williams of Montgomery & Associates explained at a recent Board meeting why coastal aquifers require more than just stabilizing groundwater levels: if ocean water sits higher than inland groundwater, seawater will continue advancing unless groundwater levels are raised or the intrusion is physically intercepted.
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