Assessing Changing Salinity in Water Sources

This study aims to synthesize current knowledge of salinity impacts on U.S. water systems and provide the water sector with scientific tools and educational strategies to address freshwater salinization. Guidance and analytical frameworks developed at the regional scale can be adapted to investigate salinity challenges at individual utilities or regional One Water systems across the United States and internationally.

The research team will conduct five tasks:

1. Complete a comprehensive and critical review of the literature.
2. Develop guidance for conducting watershed mass balances and source identification.
3. Demonstrate a temporal-spatial framework to understand salt ion behavior at a regional scale.
4. Conduct utility and agency stakeholder case studies to document a diverse range of salinization challenges and management approaches.
5. Create a communications toolkit to inform and educate stakeholders.

These deliverables will provide a robust foundation for utilities, regulators, and stakeholders to better understand, manage, and communicate risks and mitigation strategies associated with freshwater salinization—ensuring that the project’s impact extends well beyond its immediate participants.