Solutions that can be implemented

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 52 views

Introduction

The increasing population in coastal areas has led to a significant impact on groundwater exploitation, including the use of shallow wells to meet the needs of clean water. Groundwater is a vital source of freshwater for human consumption, agriculture, and industry. However, the location of groundwater close to the coastal area is vulnerable to sea water intrusion, causing shallow well water to become salty and brackish. This study aims to analyze the level of shallow well water salinity in Denai Kuala Village, Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency, and map the spread of salinity in the region.

Background

The use of shallow wells in coastal areas has become a common practice to meet the increasing demand for clean water. However, the proximity of these wells to the sea makes them vulnerable to sea water intrusion. Sea water intrusion occurs when seawater moves into freshwater aquifers, causing the water to become salty and brackish. This phenomenon can have severe consequences on public health, agriculture, and the economy. In Denai Kuala Village, the increasing population and groundwater exploitation have led to concerns about the availability of clean water.

Methodology

This study was conducted in May-June 2015 with a random shallow well sampling in four hamlets, producing 80 samples. Salinity data were analyzed using ArcGIS 9.3 software to produce salinity spread maps. The results showed that shallow well water salinity levels in Denai Kuala Village vary. Dusun 1 has a salinity level of 0 mg/L (categorizing freshwater), Dusun 2 has a salinity level of 3200 mg/L (categorization of brackish water), Dusun 3 has a salinity level of 0 mg/l (categorizing freshwater), and Dusun 4 has levels Salinity 1400 mg/L (Categorizing Brackish Water). The map of salinity spread shows that the highest seawater intrusion occurs in Hamlet 2 and Hamlet 4, while Hamlet 1 and Hamlet 3 have not been affected by sea water intrusion.

Results and Discussion

The results of this study indicate that sea water intrusion is a serious threat to the availability of clean water in Denai Kuala Village. Increased groundwater exploitation, especially from shallow wells, and low soil elevation in coastal areas causes sea water to absorb easily into freshwater aquifers. This condition not only threatens public health because of salt water consumption, but can also have an impact on local agriculture and the economy. The study highlights the need for sustainable groundwater management, development of alternative water sources, increasing public awareness, and technology development to overcome the problem of sea water intrusion.

Solutions that can be implemented

Sustainable Groundwater Management

Application of Drip Irrigation Systems, Rainwater Use, and Reduction of Water Use for Household Needs can help reduce the burden of groundwater exploitation. This approach can help to conserve groundwater resources and reduce the risk of sea water intrusion.

The development of alternative water sources

Utilization of surface water, such as river water or processed sea water, can be an alternative source of clean water in coastal areas. This approach can help to reduce the dependence on groundwater and mitigate the impact of sea water intrusion.

Increasing public awareness

Socialization and education about the importance of maintaining groundwater quality and the impact of sea water intrusion needs to be improved. This can be achieved through public awareness campaigns, education programs, and community engagement.

Technology Development

Desalination Technology (Sea Water Treatment into Fresh Water) Can be a long-term solution to overcome the problem of sea water intrusion in coastal areas. This technology can help to convert seawater into freshwater, providing a reliable source of clean water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.

Conclusion

Sea water intrusion is a complex phenomenon that requires an integrated approach to overcome it. Collaboration between the government, the community, and other related parties is needed to ensure the sustainability of the availability of clean water in coastal areas. This study highlights the need for sustainable groundwater management, development of alternative water sources, increasing public awareness, and technology development to overcome the problem of sea water intrusion in Denai Kuala Village, Pantai Labu District, Deli Serdang Regency.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

The government should implement policies and regulations to manage groundwater resources sustainably.
The community should be educated about the importance of maintaining groundwater quality and the impact of sea water intrusion.
Alternative water sources, such as surface water, should be developed and utilized to reduce the dependence on groundwater.
Desalination technology should be developed and implemented to provide a reliable source of clean water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.

Limitations of the study

This study has some limitations that should be noted. The study was conducted in a specific location, and the results may not be generalizable to other areas. Additionally, the study only analyzed shallow well water salinity levels and did not consider other factors that may contribute to sea water intrusion.

Future research directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Conducting a comprehensive study of sea water intrusion in other coastal areas to identify the causes and consequences of this phenomenon.
Developing and implementing sustainable groundwater management practices to reduce the burden of groundwater exploitation.
Investigating the effectiveness of alternative water sources, such as surface water, in reducing the dependence on groundwater.
Developing and implementing desalination technology to provide a reliable source of clean water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.

Q: What is sea water intrusion?

A: Sea water intrusion is a phenomenon where seawater moves into freshwater aquifers, causing the water to become salty and brackish. This can have severe consequences on public health, agriculture, and the economy.

Q: What are the causes of sea water intrusion?

A: The causes of sea water intrusion include increased groundwater exploitation, low soil elevation in coastal areas, and the proximity of shallow wells to the sea.

Q: What are the effects of sea water intrusion?

A: The effects of sea water intrusion include the contamination of shallow well water, the loss of freshwater resources, and the impact on public health, agriculture, and the economy.

Q: How can sea water intrusion be prevented or mitigated?

A: Sea water intrusion can be prevented or mitigated through sustainable groundwater management, the development of alternative water sources, increasing public awareness, and technology development.

Q: What are some sustainable groundwater management practices?

A: Some sustainable groundwater management practices include the use of drip irrigation systems, rainwater harvesting, and reducing water use for household needs.

Q: What are some alternative water sources?

A: Some alternative water sources include surface water, such as river water or processed sea water.

Q: What is desalination technology?

A: Desalination technology is a process that converts seawater into freshwater, providing a reliable source of clean water for human consumption, agriculture, and industry.

Q: How can I protect my shallow well from sea water intrusion?

A: To protect your shallow well from sea water intrusion, you can take the following steps:

Install a well screen or casing to prevent seawater from entering the well.
Use a well pump that is designed to prevent seawater from entering the well.
Monitor the water level and quality in your well regularly.
Consider installing a water treatment system to remove salt and other contaminants from the water.

Q: What should I do if I suspect that my shallow well has been contaminated with seawater?

A: If you suspect that your shallow well has been contaminated with seawater, you should:

Stop using the well immediately.
Contact a water well driller or a water treatment professional to assess the situation.
Consider having the well tested for salt and other contaminants.
Take steps to prevent further contamination, such as installing a well screen or casing.

Q: How can I get involved in protecting my community's water resources?

A: To get involved in protecting your community's water resources, you can:

Attend community meetings and events related to water conservation and management.
Join a local water conservation group or organization.
Contact your local government or water utility to express your concerns and suggestions.
Participate in water conservation efforts, such as reducing your water use or installing a rainwater harvesting system.

Q: What are some resources for learning more about sea water intrusion and water conservation?

A: Some resources for learning more about sea water intrusion and water conservation include:

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, which provides information on water conservation and management.
The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) website, which provides information on groundwater management and conservation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) website, which provides information on water quality and safety.
Local water conservation groups and organizations, which may offer workshops, training, and other resources on water conservation and management.