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because of existing water demands. The most promis-
ing approaches are artificial recharge and water conser-
vation. In the artificial recharge method, water is
injected into the ground through pits and wells. This
forms a hydraulic barrier (injection ridge) due to the
higher water or water-pressure surface in the vicinity
of the recharge sites, which lie between the well field
and the coast (Figure 16.4E). The hydraulic barrier
tends to reverse the water gradient and forces the
saline water out of the aquifer.
In many coastal areas, saltwater intrusion has not
yet occurred, but an examination of existing ground-
water levels and pumping data indicates that there is a
strong potential for future intrusion. If potential salt-
water intrusion sites are analyzed before contamina-
tion actually occurs, it may be possible to develop
adequate solutions before the supply situation
becomes critical.
The objectives of Part B of this exercise are to
examine water-level declines in a coastal region, areas
E. Injection-Ridge Barrier
FIGURE 16.4 Saltwater intrusion of a confined coastal aquifer and the use of barriers to prevent contamination of water supplies.
Water level is the water-pressure surface (See text for explanation of A through E.)
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