Corrosion of metal buried in the ground or set in structural concrete may also occur. A shifting or sinking of foundations may result in structural cracking, damage or collapse. Damage to heritage buildings may be of particular concern and land values may be degraded by salinity. A white crust of salt on brickwork. Salt damage to roads and highways includes the breakdown of concrete, bitumen and asphalt with associated pot holing, cracking and crumbling of the road base.
Associated costs can be very high.
Road damage caused by high saline watertables. Damage to underground pipes, cables and other infrastructure due to the breakdown of unprotected metal, cement and other materials. Loss of amenity in recreational areas such as gardens and sports fields due to the appearance of bare, exposed patches where grass and other plants cannot grow. Prolonged waterlogging may also be a problem. Failure of septic tanks caused by high watertables rendering them inoperable.