THE SODIUM CHLORIDE MINERAL WATERS FROM HARGHITA COUNTY, LASTING TOURISM PROTECTION AND CAPITALIZATION

Abstract

This study represents a continuation of the research and assessment of sodium chloride mineral water resources on the territory of the Transylvanian Depression, especially regarding the emergence of salt springs, which are not yet found in the scholarly literature. Therefore, Harghita County will be analysed this time, a county where certain researches have been done before. Field research can also be added to these, representing the only possibility to update the data regarding the existent salt springs. Locations with sodium chloride mineral waters which appear at the surface under the form of salt springs with a salinity exceeding 1 g/l, as compared to the ones specified, are Praid, Ocna de Jos, Ocna de Sus, Corund, Lueta, Mărtiniş, Mereşti and Cristuru Secuiesc. As far as the protection of these resources is concerned, the main debated problems are related to phenomena such as their clogging and desalination, which causes many sodium chloride mineral water springs to become ephemeral. Even if only a few locations are in Harghita County, these gather a lot of activities related to spa tourism especially Praid and Cristuru Secuiesc.

Keywords

• salt water springs
• clogging
• desalination
• spa tourism
• salt mine