A rising tide of salinity is threatening the U.S. water supply, turning fresh aquifers into undrinkable brine.

In cold regions, massive road salt use leaches chloride into the soil, eventually reaching deep drinking wells.

Rising sea levels push seawater miles inland through porous rock, poisoning coastal freshwater reserves.

In the Southwest, heavy irrigation and high evaporation leave behind concentrated salts that sink into aquifers.

Salty water is highly corrosive, eating away at metal pipes and leaching toxic lead into household taps.

High salinity can mobilize naturally occurring radium in the soil, making groundwater dangerously radioactive.

Crops like corn and soy cannot survive high salt levels, leading to massive yield losses across the U.S.

Groundwater feeds streams; when it turns salty, it creates toxic environments for freshwater fish and plants.

Scientists are monitoring thousands of wells to map the salt creep and develop better water management.

Switching to liquid brines for roads and using salt-tolerant crops can help mitigate the damage.

Preserving fresh groundwater is vital for health and economy. We must act now to stop the salt creep.