Replies

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  MWTmwt@mastodon.nz

  Aug 13, 2026, 11:12 PM

  @dayvblack hmm... We do measure groundwater including coastal groundwater here. The concern has been more about saltwater intrusion becoming permanent during drought periods if not managed well. But we did have a couple places during last winter's storms where it rose to the surface.

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  MWTmwt@mastodon.nz

  Aug 13, 2026, 11:39 PM

  @dayvblack adding to that, I've just learned that the flood forecasts here do take it into account. So, the title might be more alarming than warranted.

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  Bob LeFridge :tinoflag:BobLefridge@mastodon.nz

  Aug 13, 2026, 11:54 PM

  For fifteen years I've lived at a beach close to sea level. While coastal inundation and rising seas caused by climate change will eventually drown this village, our biggest threat at the moment is groundwater.

  The wisdom of the village knows you don't attempt to sink piles or bury a water tank at high tide, because you quickly hit groundwater. Everyone understands our soil's limitations, but even those have changed over 15 years.

  While we'd always get a few puddles after heavy rain, they'd drain within a day or two. Now, the worst puddles are sticking around longer, for up to a week. The ground is losing its ability to absorb and drain water.

  Parts of the village flooded in 2015 for cumulative reasons: days of continuous rain, full moon, king tide, blocked culvert in the wetlands behind the village... some houses got wet.

  My house stayed dry, but my luck will eventually run out. If I wasn't so old, I'd definitely be planning a retreat to higher ground.

  @mwt @dayvblack

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