Causes, effects, and solutions for salinization of ground- and surface water in the Amsterdam region

Abstract

Ground- and surface water in the Netherlands are threatened by salinization. Salinization can negatively impact drinking water provisioning, agriculture, industry and ecosystems. In the Netherlands in particular, the three most common ways of salinization are via groundwater, via estuaries and via sluice gates. This literature review examines the causes, consequences and solutions for salinization of ground- and surface waters in the Amsterdam region, as have not been elucidated yet. The findings indicate that ground- and surface water salinization in Amsterdam is already present. In addition, climate change will likely increase the salinity of the Amsterdam city waters. Increased city water salinity might increase groundwater salinity as well, through the permeability of quay walls. This might have consequences for the urban aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems; however, this should be evaluated further. Therefore, the review examines several nature-based mitigation strategies to salinization. The salinity of the surface waters likely increasing with climate change brings forth a decision that needs to be made. Climate change is expected to lead to lower river discharges and less freshwater availability, particularly during dry periods. This stresses the national water system and asks for rethinking of how we should manage our freshwater supplies. Therefore, the review ends by shedding light on two solution paths that focus on mitigation and adaptation to salinization of both ground- and surface waters.