As sea levels rise, coastal groundwater is lifted closer to the ground surface while also becoming saltier and more corrosive. In cities where there are complex networks of buried and partially buried infrastructure, interaction with this shallower and saltier groundwater exacerbates corrosion and failure of critical systems such as sewer lines, and roadways. With this, urban contamination can result with building foundations weakening. 1,546 low-lying coastal cities and towns globally, containing around 1.42 billion people, have been identified that are likely experiencing these impacts.
www.hawaii.edu/news/2024/04/15/underground-infrastructure-corroding/