Rising groundwater threatens millions in the southeastern US
- Up to 70% of residents between North Carolina and Florida could be threatened by rising sea levels by the end of the century.
- In South Florida, about 7 million people and $750 billion in property are at increasing risk due to rising groundwater levels.
- Comprehensive planning and adaptation efforts are urgently needed to manage the combined effects of sea level rise and groundwater threats.
In the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida, rising groundwater is becoming a significant threat due to climate change and sea level rise. As projections indicate over three feet of sea rise by the end of the century, areas in South Florida could face severe impacts, with about 7 million people living in at-risk zones and property valued at $750 billion under threat. Recent studies highlight the increasing risks posed by groundwater, which has often been overlooked in traditional studies that focus primarily on coastal flooding. This rising groundwater is already causing issues such as failing septic systems and more severe inland flooding. Moreover, the combined effects of higher sea levels and groundwater rise necessitate greater attention from planners and coastal managers. The research underscores the need to adapt urban planning to account for these rising water tables and their potential to amplify flooding risks during hurricanes and heavy rains. At the same time, efforts to protect coastal areas, such as building seawalls, could lead to unintended consequences, including significant beach loss—estimated at up to 80% of beaches with three feet of sea rise. While hard infrastructure may offer temporary relief, it poses long-term challenges of balancing the protection of coastal communities against the preservation of natural landscapes. Notably, while much of Florida is spared from subsidence, localized areas such as Miami Beach have experienced some sinking, primarily due to urban development on previously natural landscapes. This combination of factors presents a dire need for comprehensive studies and actions to mitigate the risks associated with rising groundwater and changing coastal landscapes.