The quality of groundwater in rural areas and its impact on the functioning of local water intakes

Abstract

The main purpose of this paper is to indicate the impact of changes in the quality of groundwater intakes on the functioning of rural water supply systems. In particular, the important factors for the groundwater quality in rural areas have been presented. Results of research on the quality parameters of groundwater, obtained in 2012 ÷ 2016 for selected small water intakes in north-western Poland, were presented. The quality of groundwater in the subsequent analyzed years was deteriorating. There was an increase in the content of iron and manganese compounds, ammonium ions, as well as the presence of bacteriological contaminants in test water samples. For these reasons, problems with providing the receivers with water of appropriate quality parameters have been reported in described rural intakes. The paper is an attempt to show the relationship between the type and magnitude of changes in the quality of groundwater and the efficiency of the treatment plant. In addition, pro-quality activities undertaken by local water companies were emphasized.