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.