Winter Salt Week: Freshwater Salinization

To watch the free livestream, you need to register first at Freshwater Salinization – Winter Salt Week – January 26-30, 2026 or by clicking on the Register for Freshwater Salinization button below. The presenters are Dr. Megan Rippey, Virginia Tech and Dr. Stan Grant, Virginia Tech.

Get the big-picture view of freshwater salinization and why it’s emerging as a critical water-quality challenge across the country. We’ll break down the major drivers, the ecological and infrastructure impacts, and the trends scientists are tracking in rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Then we’ll zoom in on a real-world case study from the Occoquan Reservoir, where researchers and managers are grappling with the complex mix of land use, weather patterns, and human behavior that fuels rising chloride levels. This case will illustrate both the challenges and the practical management strategies communities can use to protect their drinking water supplies.