Drought is causing saltwater to creep up the Delaware River. Here's what's being done about it
Drought and sea level rise are causing salty oceanwater to creep into the Delaware River, threatening a source of drinking water for Philadelphia and millions of other people
By MIKE CATALINI and BRITTANY PETERSON
Published - Nov 26, 2024, 01:28 PM ET
Last Updated - Dec 16, 2024, 05:12 PM EST
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Salty oceanwater is creeping up the Delaware River, the source for much of the drinking water for Philadelphia and millions of others, brought on by drought conditions and sea level rise, and prompting officials to tap reservoirs to push the unpotable tide back downstream.
Officials say drinking water isn't imminently at risk yet, but they're monitoring the effects of the drought on the river and studying options for the future in case further droughts sap the area.
A closer look at the crawling salt front:
