19 Updates, Conclusions, and Recommendations …
459
9. The next important topic in water management in Poland is groundwater quality
on the Polish coast. The characteristic feature of the Polish coast is the presence
of brines of the Cl–Na type within the Mesozoic strata, from where they ascend
into the Cainozoic aquifers. “Changes in the chemical composition of waters in
this area are strongly affected by human activity consisting of excessive exploitation of aquifers, mainly in the 1970s and 1980s. The process of saline water penetration into exploited aquifers was most extensive at that time. At present, it has
been significantly inhibited as a result of reduced water extraction at the water
intakes in this area. The efficient groundwater extraction in the coastal zone is an
important issue. In holiday resorts, the demand for freshwater greatly increases
in the summer season. Excessive exploitation of aquifers on the southern Baltic
coast leads to the development of chloride anomalies and the closure of many
groundwater intakes. Monitoring the volume and quality of freshwater extraction, as well as safely assessing the admissible volume of extracted water for
all water management areas will prevent the future degradation of groundwater
resources through salinity.
10. Poland’s groundwater quality evaluation based on the points of network monitoring of the Polish Hydrogeological Survey has revealed a visible improvement
in its quality between 2013 and 2017. Thus, it can be stated that groundwater
chemical status in particular regions of Poland has been well recognized and
that the groundwater conservation measures have been effective. Bearing in
mind the economic development of the country, it is strongly recommended
that further monitoring of mainly the areas of intensive agricultural economy or
mining should be continued. The maintenance and further development of the
monitoring network are also dictated by prospective geogenic threats resulting
from the geological structure of the area of Poland, climatic conditions and
water resources.
11. Each investment (already implemented or planned) must take into account
subsequent changes of reference conditions. That is why learning the operation of the river system regarding all its components becomes such an important element, including debris transport. According to strategic documents in
force in Poland, there is no coherent strategy for sediment management in the
catchment. However, due to planned investments (recorded in RBMP), comprehensive sludge dynamics studies should be carried out so that decision-making
body can make rational decisions regarding future water investments.
12. The impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the chemistry of
groundwater and stream waters in the Carpathians is huge. Anthropogenic
factors such as acid rain, deforestation, agriculture, and tourism affect water
chemistry in the Carpathians in some extent. The most important issue for further
hydrochemical studies in the Carpathians would be to identify ion migration
pathways to springs and streams during rainfall and snowmelt events as well
as to determine the impacts of tourist traffic and tourist infrastructure on water
quality in order to more effective water protection.
459
9. The next important topic in water management in Poland is groundwater quality
on the Polish coast. The characteristic feature of the Polish coast is the presence
of brines of the Cl–Na type within the Mesozoic strata, from where they ascend
into the Cainozoic aquifers. “Changes in the chemical composition of waters in
this area are strongly affected by human activity consisting of excessive exploitation of aquifers, mainly in the 1970s and 1980s. The process of saline water penetration into exploited aquifers was most extensive at that time. At present, it has
been significantly inhibited as a result of reduced water extraction at the water
intakes in this area. The efficient groundwater extraction in the coastal zone is an
important issue. In holiday resorts, the demand for freshwater greatly increases
in the summer season. Excessive exploitation of aquifers on the southern Baltic
coast leads to the development of chloride anomalies and the closure of many
groundwater intakes. Monitoring the volume and quality of freshwater extraction, as well as safely assessing the admissible volume of extracted water for
all water management areas will prevent the future degradation of groundwater
resources through salinity.
10. Poland’s groundwater quality evaluation based on the points of network monitoring of the Polish Hydrogeological Survey has revealed a visible improvement
in its quality between 2013 and 2017. Thus, it can be stated that groundwater
chemical status in particular regions of Poland has been well recognized and
that the groundwater conservation measures have been effective. Bearing in
mind the economic development of the country, it is strongly recommended
that further monitoring of mainly the areas of intensive agricultural economy or
mining should be continued. The maintenance and further development of the
monitoring network are also dictated by prospective geogenic threats resulting
from the geological structure of the area of Poland, climatic conditions and
water resources.
11. Each investment (already implemented or planned) must take into account
subsequent changes of reference conditions. That is why learning the operation of the river system regarding all its components becomes such an important element, including debris transport. According to strategic documents in
force in Poland, there is no coherent strategy for sediment management in the
catchment. However, due to planned investments (recorded in RBMP), comprehensive sludge dynamics studies should be carried out so that decision-making
body can make rational decisions regarding future water investments.
12. The impact of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the chemistry of
groundwater and stream waters in the Carpathians is huge. Anthropogenic
factors such as acid rain, deforestation, agriculture, and tourism affect water
chemistry in the Carpathians in some extent. The most important issue for further
hydrochemical studies in the Carpathians would be to identify ion migration
pathways to springs and streams during rainfall and snowmelt events as well
as to determine the impacts of tourist traffic and tourist infrastructure on water
quality in order to more effective water protection.