Saltwater encroaches on Delaware River

Drought and rising sea levels have pushed saltwater further up the Delaware River, raising concerns about drinking water supplies for millions in the Philadelphia area and beyond.

Mike Catalini and Brittany Peterson report for The Associated Press.

In short:

A drought in the Northeast and rising sea levels have pushed the salt front 20 miles upstream near Philadelphia International Airport, closer to drinking water intakes.
Officials are releasing water from reservoirs to manage the salt front, but prolonged drought could worsen the situation.
The Delaware River Basin Commission is exploring climate adaptation strategies, including increased storage and conservation efforts.

Key quote:

“We get nervous when it starts to get up near Philadelphia. It’s only 18 miles right now from the drinking water intakes.”

— Amy Shallcross, water resource operations manager at the Delaware River Basin Commission

Why this matters:

Saltwater intrusion poses a major risk to the drinking water supply for 14 million people. With climate change amplifying droughts and sea level rise, better water management and conservation are critical to ensuring long-term water security.

apnews.com

Saltwater encroaches on Delaware River

Opinion: Why are Britain’s streets still so polluted? Because the car industry dinosaurs do what they like, and politicians let them

Germany's climate standing sinks to lowest level in years

UN climate talks see pledge for more rooftop solar panels

French oil giant backs dozens of lobby groups fighting new methane rules around the world

The United States is skipping COP31 in Turkey

The pace of Everglades restoration has accelerated. But is it working?

Fossil fuel emissions are expected to fall in 2026. Why aren’t climate experts celebrating?

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.