How Dutch Water Utility Dunea Protects Coastal Drinking Water
In the Netherlands, with nearly one-third of the land surface below sea level, the battle against saltwater intrusion has geared-up innovation in...
1 min read
As the global freshwater crisis intensifies, coastal communities worldwide face a silent but growing threat: saltwater intrusion. This phenomenon, where saltwater pushes into freshwater aquifers, is endangering drinking water supplies for millions of people, from small island nations to major coastal cities.
Coastal aquifers have historically maintained a delicate equilibrium between fresh and salt water. In these natural systems, freshwater floats atop denser saltwater, creating a transition zone known as the saltwater-freshwater interface. This balance, stable for thousands of years, is now under unprecedented pressure.
Several factors are accelerating the crisis:
- Extraction of groundwater creates a vacuum effect, pulling saltwater underneath, upwards, or further inland
- Rising sea levels and extended drought periods without replenishment increase the pressure of saltwater on coastal aquifers
- Urban development and population growth in coastal areas strain existing freshwater resources
This impact extends far beyond drinking water quality and quantity. Agricultural lands become unsuitable for farming as soil salinity rises. Freshwater groundwater dependant ecosystems face disruption, and subsoil infrastructure deteriorates more rapidly due to salt exposure. Once saltwater infiltrates an aquifer, reversing the damage is often no longer an option.
The Need for Intelligent Monitoring
Traditional groundwater monitoring methods often detect problems only after a significant intrusion has occurred. Today's challenges demand more proactive solutions that can identify potential threats before they become crises. Advanced monitoring systems, combining real-time sensors with artificial intelligence, represent the future in protecting our coastal water resources.
iFLUX Sensing Solutions
A proactive solution that can identify potential threats of saltwater intrusion.
iFLUX's innovative monitoring technology offers water utilities a powerful defense strategy against saltwater intrusion. Our patented flux technology provides:
- Continuous real-time monitoring of groundwater flow direction and speed
- Early detection of changes in saltwater-freshwater dynamics
- Comprehensive dashboarding for substantiated decision-making
- Cost-effective protection of vital water resources
These sophisticated monitoring solutions enable utilities to detect and respond to threats before they compromise freshwater availability, potentially saving millions in remediation costs and protecting essential infrastructure.
Want to protect your water resources from saltwater intrusion?
Contact us today to schedule a meeting and learn more about implementing our innovative solutions in your daily operations.
iFLUX provides real-time insights into groundwater flow dynamics at drinking water utility Vitens
iFLUX's innovative groundwater monitoring technology – ‘iFLUX Sensing solutions’ - is helping Vitens, the Netherlands' largest drinking water...
iFLUX Secures Patent Approval for Flux Sensor in the US
iFLUX has been granted a new patent for its flux sensor technology in the United States, further strengthening its portfolio of innovative solutions...