Document Type

Thesis

Date of Degree Completion

Fall 2015

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Resource Management

Committee Chair

A. Gabriel

Second Committee Member

Michael Pease

Third Committee Member

Carey Gazis

Abstract

Freshwater availability is a serious resource concern, due to the needs of its increasing population. This issue is especially critical in coastal regions, both due to supplying the growing number of people migrating to these areas and the higher potential for saltwater intrusion into groundwater supplies as water demands increase. This study assessed the degree of saltwater intrusion on San Juan Island, Washington, including its extent, contributing factors and the implication for the water resource availability. Results indicate that saltwater intrusion levels have not increased significantly in the study area, yet the size of the area threatened has increased. Saltwater intrusion is being aided by area geologic formation, groundwater flow patterns and development on the eastern side of the study area. While on the western side of the study area, the geologic formation is impeding saltwater intrusion.

Comments

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