GROUNDWATER EXTRACTION CONTROL FOR PROTECTING THE WATER WORKS IN ŁOBODNO (SW POLAND) AGAINST CONTAMINATION WITH NITRATES

Abstract

Abstract. The main goal of this research was to reverse, or at least stop the trend of a constant increase of nitrate ions (NO.) concentrations in the recharge areas and water extracted by the water works in Łobodno using specifically designed water extraction regime. To find an effective extraction regime, fifteen operation variants with diverse overall and specific well discharge rates were designed and tested. They assured the lowest possible concentrations in the delivered water, or the highest amounts (loads) of NO . leached out the aquifer, keeping concentrations in the extracted water below the permissible value. The most effective variants at current water demands were these with the reduced discharge rates of wells nos. 3 and 8 (variants 13 and 14). Groundwater extraction according to other variants would be possible as water demands increase, or after the permanent reduction of NO, concentrations in the water extracted by wells nos. 3 and 8. Effective control of the extraction regime will allow for the reduction of NO , concentrations in the extracted water and (tads in the aquifer, and consequently for delaying or eliminating the need for treatment (a NO. removal installation) to be applied at the water works in Łobodno.