SALTWATER INTRUSION IN COMMUNAL WELLS ALONG

COASTAL AREAS OF BARUGO, LEYTE

A Thesis Outline
Presented to the Faculty of the
Department of Environmental Science
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
Visayas State University
Alangalang, Leyte

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Sciences

JUSTINE ROSE C. ABARCA

June 2023
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Saltwater intrusion is the entry of salty water into the freshwater aquifer induced by

natural processes or human activity. This is a complicated process and a global phenomenon

that varies in location and time based on hydrological parameters, saltwater distribution, and

freshwater withdrawal and recharge rates in coastal areas (Barlow & Reichard, 2010).

Saltwater intrusion significantly reduces accessible freshwater supplies, stifling industrial

growth and agricultural production in coastal areas (Hussain et al., 2015). Due to the increase

of saline mudflats caused by saltwater intrusion, freshwater vegetation is also lost (Winn et

al., 2006). Saltwater intrusion generates an imbalance in the coastal ecosystem by raising

metal concentrations and restricting the flow of oxygen and nutrients in the water, which has

a detrimental impact on aquatic life (Nielsen et al., 2003).

A coastal aquifer is a substantial supply of drinkable water that supports the spread of

agriculture and urban areas near the ocean. Because coastal aquifers' end limits are in contact

with the sea, saltwater seeps inside and grows beneath the lighter freshwater. The denser

saltwater has a higher water pressure. (Kolathayar et al., 2019). According to Allen and

Klassen (2017), saline water intrusion (SWI) is the leading cause of aquifer water-quality

degradation because it raises salt above the tolerable potability level. The SWI is mostly

caused by natural and man-made risks. These have varied degrees of influence on the SWI's

vulnerability. According to the Environmental Management Bureau (2005), excessive

groundwater extraction in the Philippines causes the water table to drop, which is essential

for maintaining the hydrostatic pressure at the freshwater side and preventing the intrusion of

seawater into the aquifer. This causes seawater to move landward.

Objective of the Study

This study sought to assess saltwater intrusion in communal wells along coastal areas of

Barugo, Leyte. Specifically, this study sought to:

1. determine the salt concentration of tap water derived from coastal wells in Barugo,

Leyte.

2. assess the extent and severity of saltwater intrusion in communal wells along the

coastal areas of Barugo, Leyte.

3. investigate the factors contributing to saltwater intrusion in communal wells, such as

groundwater extraction rates, proximity to the coast line, and geological

characteristics of the area.

4. compare the spatial temporal variation of saltwater intrusion in coastal wells of

Barugo, Leyte.