The best quality source of water is groundwater. It is less exposed to the negative effects of pollution than surface water and therefore less demanding to treat. This was stated by the Association of Water Companies (AWC) on the occasion of World Water Day, which falls on 22 March. This year's theme focuses on raising awareness of groundwater and reminding people of the need to protect it.
The drinking water supply in Slovakia is 80 per cent provided by groundwater sources. "Slovakia does not have significant mineral resources, but under the surface of the earth it hides large-capacity usable sources of drinking water, which may become an important commodity for our country in the future," says the association.
The largest reservoir of drinking water is Zitny ostrov river island. The association stresses that it must be protected for future generations.
The Association says that several risks threaten the quality and safety of groundwater, including uncontrolled construction in the protection zones of water sources, excessive use of nitrogen fertilisers and pesticides in agriculture, uncontrolled landfills and pollution from industry. "The lack of sewers and sewage treatment plants contribute to their pollution," the association states, adding that declining groundwater abundance is also a consequence of climate change manifested by droughts and high temperatures.
