ANNEX 12 List of nominated transboundary groundwater bodies and groups of
groundwater bodies
Aquifer
th
characteri-
t
a
Risk
r
sation
ce
e
d
wi
Main
a
n
re
Natio-
g
stra
a
fo
NAME
MS_CD
Size
use
nal size
o
rt
ed
y
i
n
t
eri
p
y ag
ll
tity
i
fer
erl
Cri
i
m
n
ra
u
f
in
pe
n
te
Ov
ality
u
Aq
Ty
Co
Q
Qua
b
i
la
1: Deep
DEGK1110
5,900
4,250 K
Yes
SPA,
100-1000 Intensive use
No No AT,
Groundwater
CAL
DE
Body
ATGK100158
1,650
Thermal Water
2: Upper
BG_DGW02
26,903 15,476 F, K Yes
DRW,
0-600
> 4,000 km˛
No No RO,
Jurassic
AGR,
BG
Lower
RO_DL06
11,427
IND
Cretaceous
GWB
3: Middle
ROPR05
21,626 11,964 P Yes
DRW, 0-150
> 4,000 km˛
No/
No MD,
Sarmatian -
AGR/D
Yes
RO
Pontian GWB
RW,
MDPR01
9,662
AGR,
IND
4: Sarmatian
RODL04
6,356
2,178 K,
No DRW, 0-60
> 4,000 km˛
No/
No BG,
GWB
F-P
AGR,
Yes
RO
BGBSGW01
4,178
IND
5: Mures /
RO_MU20
6,553
2,200 P No/Y DRW,
2-30 Important
GW No/
No/
HU,
Maros
es
IRR,
resource,
Poss
Poss
RO
RO_MU22
1,620
IND
protection of
HU_P.2.12.1
1,308
DRW res.
HU_P.2.12.2
3,011
6: Somes /
RO_SO01
2,416
1,380 P No/Y DRW,
5-30 Important
GW No No/ HU,
Szamos
es
AGR,
resource,
Poss
RO
RO_SO13
1,380
IRR
protection of
HU_P.2.1.2
976
DRW res.
7: Upper
ROBA18
28,608 11,408 P Yes/
DRW,
0-30, 2-
> 4,000 km˛,
No/
No/
RO,
Pannonian-
Yes/
AGR,
125
GW use,
Poss
Yes
CS,
CS_DU10
17,200
Lower
No
IND,
Important GW
HU
Pleistocene
IRR
resource,
GWB from
HU_P.1.17.1
1,272
protection of
Backa and
HU_P.1.17.2
1,787
DRW res.
Banat / Dunav /
Duna-Tisza
HU_P.1.18.1
963
köze déli r.
HU_P.2.10.1
2,617
HU_P.2.10.2
2,907
8: Podunajska
SK1000300P
3,353
1,669 P No
DRW, 2-5 Important
GW
Poss/ No/Yes
SK,
Basin, Zitny
IRR,
resources,
Yes
HU
SK1000200P
524
Ostrov /
AGR,
protection
Szigetköz,
HU_P.1.1.1
876
IND
drinking water
Hanság-Rábca HU_P.1.1.2
284
9: Bodrog
SK1001500P
2,666
1,466 P Yes
DRW, 2-10 Important
GW Yes/
No SK,
IRR
resource
Poss
HU
HU_P2.4.2
566
HU_P2.5.2
734
Aquifer
th
characteri-
t
a
Risk
e
sation
e
d
wi
Main
re
Natio-
g
stra
t
anc
NAME
MS_CD
Size
use
r
ia for
nal size
ed
y
i
n
ite
y ag
ll
tity
i
fer
erl
Cr
impor
n
ra
u
f
in
pe
n
te
Ov
ality
u
Aq
Ty
Co
Q
Qua
b
i
la
10: Slovensky
SK200480KF
1,069
598 K,F
Yes/
DRW,
0-500 Protection
of No No SK,
kras / Aggtelek-
No
OTH
drinking water
HU
hgs.
HU_K2.2.1
471
resources, GW
K
dependent
ecosystems
(springs, caves)
11:
SK300010FK
3,601
250 F,K
Yes/
DRW,
0-2500 Thermal
water Poss Poss SK,
Komarnanska
No
SPA,
resource
HU
SK300020FK
313
Vysoka Kryha /
CAL
Dunántúli-
HU_K.1.3.1
1,445 K
khgs. északi r.
HU_K.1.3.2.
427
HU_K.1.5.1
855
HU_K.1.5.2
311
12: Sava**
CS_SA10
2,700 P Yes
DRW, 5-20 GW
use
Poss Yes CS,
AGR,
HR?
IND
NAME
Name of the important transboundary groundwater body. Max. 100 digits, no restrictions concerning
language, central European encoding (CEE), national names divided by slash
MS_CD
Member State Code which is a unique identifier. ISO-Code 2-digits & max. 22 digits. National codes from all
countries sharing the GW body have to be named to identify the bodies in the respective part B (National
Reports).
Size: km˛
Whole area of the transboundary groundwater body covering all countries concerned in km˛
National size: km˛
Each country indicates the size on the national territory in km˛
Aquifer
[Aquifer Type: Predom. P = porous/ K = karst/ F = fissured] Multiple selection possible: Predominantly
characterisation
porous, karst, fissured and combinations are possible. Main type listed first.
[Confined: Yes / No]
Main use
[DRW = drinking water / AGR = agriculture / IRR = irrigation / IND = Industry / SPA = balneology / CAL
= caloric energy / OTH = other] Multiple selection possible.
Overlying strata
Range in metres. Indicates a range of thickness min, max in metres.
Criteria for
If size < 4 000 km˛ criteria for importance of the GW body have to be named, they have to be bilaterally
importance
agreed upon.
Risk
Indicates whether a groundwater body is at risk of failing good status. [Yes = at risk / No = not at risk / Poss =
possibly at risk; insufficient data/knowledge]
Bilaterally agreed
Country which has been bilaterally agreed with has to be indicated, two digit country code after ISO 3166
with
Responsibility for
Indicate two digit country code after ISO 3166 and institution which is responsible for the data delivery. AT:
data delivery
Austrian Ministry for Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management. BG: MoEW. DE:
Bavarian Water Management Agency. MD: Ministry of Ecology, Constructions and Territorial Development.
RO: National Administration `Apele Romane'. SK: Ministry of Environment Slovak Republic, Slovak
Hydrometeorological Institute, Bratislava. HU: Ministry of Environment and Water management. CS:
Ministry for agriculture, forestry and water management Directorate for water
** The groundwater body is not bilaterally agreed yet and figures for one national part are missing. Therefore it is not
included in the report (Chapter 5).
2 of 25
Descriptive information:
1: Deep Groundwater Body Thermal Water
MS_Code DEGK11110,
ATGK100158
descriptive text
The thermal groundwater of the Malmkarst (Upper Jurassic) in the Lower Bavarian and
on the important Upper Austrian Molasse Basin is of transboundary importance. It is used for spa purposes
transboundary
and to gain geothermal energy. The geothermal used water is totally re-injected in the same
groundwater
aquifer.
body
The transboundary GW-body covers a total area of 5900 km˛; the length is 155 km and the
width is up to 55 km. The aquifer is Malm (karstic limestone); the top of the Malm reaches a
depth of more than 1000 m below sea level in the Bavarian part and 2000 m in the Upper
Austrian part. The groundwater recharge is mainly composed of subterranean inflow of the
adjacent Bohemian Massif and infiltration of precipitation in the northern part of the
groundwater body area. The total groundwater recharge was determined to 820 l/s. The
GW-body is included in the RR because of its intensive use. An expert group takes care for
the permanent bilateral exchange of information and a sustainable transboundary use.
description of
Quantity: Within the framework of the Regensburg Treaty a hydro-geological model and
methodology for mathematical model for the determination of the groundwater recharge were established. It
estimating the
could be shown that there has been no overuse up to now. An expert group worked out
risk of failure to guidelines where joint protection and utilisation strategies are laid down. Thus a
achieve the good sustainable use is assured.
status
Quality: The good status is still existing because the confined deep groundwater is well
protected by thick overlying layers (several hundred meters up to more than 1000 m thick
tertiary and cretaceous sediments) and reaches an age up to more than 1000 years.
Therefore the thermal water is well protected from pollutants of civilisation.
The thermal water is only used by water extractions for spa purposes and water extractions
and re-injections for geothermal use. Except of the decreased temperature the re-injected
thermal water is of the same quality as the extracted water. There is no other use that might
cause groundwater contamination. So there is no risk that groundwater will be
contaminated.
The thermal water users / operators of geothermal plants have to carry out inspections to
provide information on the thermal water quality. Yearly they have to report chemical
values of the thermal water and after 5 years they have to provide authorities with an expert
opinion about the development of the thermal water quality. So possible changes in the
chemistry of the thermal water can be observed/detected early. Anthropogenic pollution can
be excluded, changes in quality can be caused only by geogenic effects depending on water
extraction.
Up to now no significant changes of chemical values occurred.
The groundwater body is well protected, there are no uses with a risk of groundwater
pollution. So the groundwater body is not and will not be at risk.
GW body
Quantity: As a sustainable use is assured the transboundary GW-body is not and will not be
identified as
at risk.
being at risk of
Quality: Due to the above mentioned uses of the thermal water there is no impact on the
failing to meet
groundwater quality. So the GW-body is not and will not be at risk
the objectives
under Art. 4
Lower objectives No
identified
according to Art.
4 and Annex II
2.4 and 2.5
Gaps and
No
uncertainties in
the underlying
data
3 of 25
2: Upper Jurassic Lower Cretaceous Groundwater Body
MS_Code
BG_DGW02 / RO_DL06
descriptive text
Criteria for delineation is development of Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous permeable
on the
deposits and water content in these deposits,
important
Geological overview - The stratigraphic age is Upper Jurassic-Lower Cretaceous.
transboundary
The lithological composition is limestones, dolomitic limestones and dolomites. Overlying
groundwater
strata consists of marls, clays, sands, limestones, pebbles and loess. The age of the above
body
mentioned deposits is Hauterivian, Sarmatian, Pliocene and Quaternary. Excluding small
cropped out areas the GWB is very well protected. GWB main use is for drinking water
supply, agriculture and industry supply.
There is no significant impact on the GWB in both countries.
In Romania the GWB has an interaction with Sintghiol lake situated near Black Sea. In
Bulgaria an interaction exists with Srebarna lake.
The criterion for selection as `important' is size which exceeds 4000 km˛.
description of
The criteria and approach for quality status assessment is using of the available quality
methodology
groundwater monitoring data and the existing pressure. The criteria and approach for risk
for estimating
assessment for quantity status is based on trend assessment.
the risk of
failure to
achieve the
good status
GW body
No risk for the quality and quantity status is detected in the both countries based on data
identified as
available.
being at risk of
failing to meet
the objectives
under Art. 4
Lower object-
In both countries there is some data for defining of the GWB structure and monitoring data
tives identified
for the assessment of quantity and quality status.
according to
Art. 4 and
Annex II 2.4
and 2.5
Gaps and
In the future it is necessary to improve the GW monitoring network along the border between
uncertainties in
the two countries.
the underlying
data
3: Middle Sarmatian Pontian Groundwater Body
MS_Code RO_PR05/MD_PR01
descriptive text
Criterion for delineation of the GWB was the development of the Sarmatian aquiferous
on the
deposits on the territories of Neamt, Bacau and Vaslui districts, situated in the Siret and
important
Prut River Basins. Lithologically, the water-bearing deposits are constituted of sands and
transboundary
sandstones thin layer . The overlying stratum is represented by clay of about 50 meters
groundwater
thickness. GWB is locally used for drinking water supply. The criterion for selection as
body
"important" is its size, which exceeds 4000 km˛.
description of
The criteria for the quality status assessment were: overlying strata for litho-protection,
methodology
groundwater actual quality, pressures and their possible impacts.
for estimating
the risk of
failure to
achieve the
good status
4 of 25
MS_Code RO_PR05/MD_PR01
GW body
Based on available data, GWB is not at quantitative and qualitative risk.
identified as
being at risk of
failing to meet
the objectives
under Art. 4
Lower
objectives
identified
according to
Art. 4 and
Annex II 2.4
and 2.5
Gaps and
There are relatively insufficient data for defining of the GWB structure and only some
uncertainties in
quality and piezometric levels monitoring wells.
the underlying
data
4: Sarmatian Groundwater Body
MS_Code RO_DL04/BG_BSGW01
descriptive text
Criteria for delineation are the development of Sarmatian permeable deposits and water
on the important resources in these deposits. The lithological composition of water-bearing deposits is:
transboundary
in Bulgaria: limestones, sands;
groundwater
in Romania: oollitic limestones and organogenic limestone.
body
Overlying strata consists of loess and clays.
The GWB is well protected in the clay covered areas, but is vulnerable to pollution in pre-
dominantly loess and sands covered areas. This explains nitrate contamination in some
areas.
GWB main use is for drinking water supply, and also agricultural and industrial purposes.
The main pressures are agriculture activities, waste landfills and less industrial plants.
The GWB has an interaction with a couple of small lakes in Bulgaria. The criterion for
selection as "important" is the size, which exceeds 4000 km˛.
description of
The criteria for quality status assessment are using the groundwater quality monitoring
methodology for available data and existing pressures.
estimating the
risk of failure to
achieve the
good status
GW body
Some risk for quality is detected concerning nitrate content in some monitoring sampling
identified as
sites in Bulgaria. We consider achieving good quality status until 2015 possible by
being at risk of
appropriate measures implementation.
failing to meet
There is not the risk of quality concerning GWB in Romania.
the objectives
In both countries there is no detected risk for quantity status of the GWB.
under Art. 4
The criterion for risk assessment of quantity status is based on evolution trend
determination of the groundwater piezometric levels.
Lower
objectives
identified
according to
Art. 4 and
Annex II 2.4
and 2.5
5 of 25
MS_Code RO_DL04/BG_BSGW01
Gaps and
In both countries there are some data for defining of GWB structure and monitoring data
uncertainties in
for the assessment of quantitative and qualitative status.
the underlying
In the future, it is necessary to improve the GWB monitoring network along the border
data
between the two countries.
5: Mures /Maros
MS_Code
RO_MU20, RO_MU22 / HU_P.2.12.1, HU_P.2.12.2
descriptive text
RO & HU: Reasons for selecting as important transboundary groundwater body
on the important
transboundary
The alluvial deposit of the Maros/Mures River is lying along both sides of the southern
Hungarian-Romanian border, to the North of the actual river bed of the Maros/Mures. It is
groundwater
an important water resource in particular for drinking water purposes for both countries
body
and the water abstractions influences the water availability of the other country.
General description
The basin of the east-southern part of the Great Hungarian Plain is filled up with more than
2000 m thick deposits of different ages, which is progressively thinning in Romania. The
alluvial fan of the Maros/Mures River formed the Pleistocene part of the strata. The
Hungarian approach does not separate vertically the multilayered aquifer system, thus the
cold part of the Upper-Pannonian and the Pleistocene and the Holocene layers are
vertically unified in Hungary, but divided horizontally separating the characteristic
downward and transition flow system (GWB HU_P.2.12.1) from the upward one (GWB
HU_P.2.12.2). In the Romanian side also two water bodies are included in the
transboundary evaluation because in the Romanian method there is a separating horizon at
the limit of Upper- (GWB RO_MU20) and Lower-Pleistocene (GWB RO_MU22) age of the
strata. Both water bodies can be lithologically characterised by pebbles, sands and clayey
interlayers, but the upper part is significantly coarser with better permeability. Virtually
following the same separation in the Hungarian side, the lower 100 m of the 250 300 m
thick Pleistocene strata is silty-sand, sandy-silt, sand and clay, and the upper part is mainly
sand with gravel, so the permeability is improving towards the surface (the hydraulic
conductivity of the aquifers is ranging between 5 30 m/day). The covering layer is mainly
sandy silt and clay of 3-5 m. In the Romanian side the upper water body is unconfined and
the lower is confined. In Hungary both confined and unconfined conditions occur in the
southern water body and mainly confined condition is characteristic for the water body of
upward flow system. The groundwater table is 2-4 m below the surface in Hungary. The
main direction of the groundwater flow is from the South-East to the North-West.
In Hungary recharge in sandy areas have only local importance (15 M m3/year). Now,
because of the considerable amount of water abstracted from the deep layers, there is a
permanent recharge from shallow groundwater to the deep groundwater system (app. 15 M
m3/year) and large areas with sandy-silty covering layers contribute also to the recharge of
the abstracted amount in Hungary. Another important element of the global recharge of the
Hungarian part is the lateral flow across the border, estimated at 15 - 20 M m3/d (uncertain
value based on the limited available knowledge). The direction of the groundwater flow is
from the recharge area to the discharge areas (main river valleys and zones with
groundwater level close to the surface), i.e. from SE to N and NW.
description of
RO: The Romanian method for the delineation leads to the following type of water bodies:
methodology for
1. The groundwater systems are vertically divided in three floors according to ages:
estimating the
· Holocene and Upper-Pleistocene (shallow) porous groundwater bodies,
risk of failure to
· Lower Pleistocene porous groundwater bodies,
achieve the
· Upper Pannonian porous groundwater bodies containing cold waters
good status
· Lower Pannonian and Pre-Pannonian (including porous, fissured and
karstic) thermomineral (> 23 oC) and thermal (> 70 oC) groundwater
bodies.
2. Further separation is based on surface catchment areas in the shallow
groundwater bodies, while in the case of deeper aquifers according to the
development of geological formation.
6 of 25
MS_Code
RO_MU20, RO_MU22 / HU_P.2.12.1, HU_P.2.12.2
The criterion for risk assessment of quantitative status is based on evolution trend
assessment of the groundwater piezometric levels.
The criteria for quality status assessment are:
· Natural protection characteristic of the overlying strata,
· Actual groundwater quality,
· Pressures and their possible impact.
HU: Delineation of groundwater bodies in Hungary has been carried out by:
1. Separation of the main geological features: porous aquifers in the basins, karstic
aquifers, mixed formations of the mountainous regions, other than karstic aquifers.
2. Thermal water bodies are separated according to the temperature greater than
30 oC. In the case of porous aquifers it is done vertically, while in karstic aquifers
horizontally. There are no thermal aquifers in the mountainous regions other than
karstic.
3. Further division is related to the subsurface catchment areas and vertical flow
system (in the case of porous aquifers) and to the structural and hydrological units
(in the case of karstic aquifers and mountainous regions).
For transboundary water bodies the more detailed further characterisation is carried out
(n.b. because of the numerous transboundary water bodies and the expected further 20 - 30
% due to the risk of failing good status, Hungary decided to apply the methodology of
further characterisation for all water bodies)
The quantitative status is primarily evaluated by comparing the available groundwater
resources and the actual groundwater abstraction (considered as valid for the coming years
as well). The available groundwater resources is calculated for each groundwater body as
the average recharge of the period 1991-2000 decreased by the water demand of springs,
rivers in low flow period and vegetation in summer, furthermore the lateral flow from
recharge to discharge area. The recharge is estimated by a national scale water balance
model, while the water demands of the ecosystems are estimated in function of the
morphology and groundwater flow system. Where the available information allow, area
affected by decreasing groundwater levels due to groundwater abstraction are also
delineated. Known requirements related to the good status of the groundwater dependent
ecosystems can also be applied.
Groundwater body is at risk from quantitative point of view, if (i) the area identified as
affected by decreasing tendency of groundwater levels is larger than 20 % of the area of the
groundwater body; or (ii) the actual abstraction is more than 80 % of the estimated
available groundwater resources of the water body, or (iii) important groundwater
dependent ecosystem is significantly damaged by anthropogenic alterations.
Evaluation of the chemical status is based on the analysis of N-load from different diffuse
sources (fertilizers and manure in agricultural area and in settlements as well as infiltrated
communal waste water from unsewered settlements and on the assessment of hazard from
point sources of pollution.
For each groundwater body the ratio of area where higher Nitrate-concentration than 37,5
mg/l is expected until 2015. The estimated concentration corresponds to the weighted
average of the upper 50 m of the water body. It is estimated in the case of different land
uses (using data of 3200 settlements and information on 2,500 locations where N-balance
have been established between 1999-2003, grouped into 12 types of crop and 12
agriculturally homogeneous regions).
Data of existing monitoring in agricultural land is also used for the evaluation, if the
density allows reliable identification of the areas where the weighted Nitrate-concentration
of the upper 50 m greater than 37,5 mg/l. At present pollution of pesticides can not be
assessed at groundwater body level.
Water body is at risk due to diffuse sources of pollution if in 12 years the weighted
concentration of the upper 50 m is greater than 37,5 mg/l in more than 20 % of the water
body. The urban land use and the arable lands can be evaluated separately, in order to see
their contribution.
7 of 25
MS_Code
RO_MU20, RO_MU22 / HU_P.2.12.1, HU_P.2.12.2
For the evaluation of the risk related to the point sources of pollution significant pollution
sources are selected from the national database containing information on 15000 potential
and existing pollution sources. Criteria for selection: hazardous substances or pollutants in
large extent and soluble and mobile in water, groundwater or soil already polluted, no
appropriate technical protection. A factor of hazard for each pollution sources is
determined considering the hazard of the pollutants, size of the source of pollution,
recharge and groundwater flow system, protection zone of groundwater abstraction sites,
probability of pollution of groundwater, uncertainty of the existing information This factors
of hazard can be considered as an estimate of the affected volume of groundwater, whom
the average concentration after 12 years is equal to a threshold value.
The water body is at risk because of point sources of pollution, if the sum of the affected
volumes is larger than 20 % of the total volume of the upper 50 m of the water body.
The overall risk corresponding to the achievement of chemical status is determined based
on the sum of the affected volume determined for both point and diffuse sources of
pollution. In the case of diffuse pollution the volume can be estimated from the ratio of
area, considering the 50 m thick upper part of the water body.
The water body is considered at risk, if the sum of the affected volume corresponding to
point and diffuse sources is larger than 20 % of the total volume of the upper 50 m of the
water body.
As a result of the risk assessment, the groundwater bodies in Hungary will be classified in
one of the four classes:
1. The good status can be achieved in 2015 (based on reliable, sufficient
information).
2. Achievement of the good status is at risk (based on reliable, sufficient information).
3. Achievement of the good status is possibly at risk (the available information
suggests risky situation, but the decision is not obvious either because the
reliability of the data, or the uncertainty of the methodology),
4. Decision is not possible, because the uncertainty of the available information
(insufficient data and knowledge) makes larger interval of the possible results than
acceptable, i.e., any of the above 3 types decision can be taken.
RO & HU: Major pressures and impacts
In Hungary the actual abstraction is around 30 Mm3/year, which is used mainly for
drinking water (app. 350 thousand people are supplied from that source) and irrigation, but
there is some water demand of the industry and animal farms as well. 110 shallow and 35
deep observation wells are available in the Hungarian part, the majority with sufficiently
long observation period for trend analysis. There is no evidence whether the groundwater
abstraction or the dry period is the cause of observed slight declining trend in some wells.
In the Hungarian part, the drinking water supply is facing to a considerable quality
problem due to the naturally high arsenic, iron, manganese and ammonium content of the
water.
Arable lands cover the majority of the area, where the use of chemicals and manure
endangers the quality of the groundwater, since the upper water body in Romania and the
majority of the southern water body (HU_P.2.12.1) in Hungary is vulnerable against
surface originated pollutions.
In this Hungarian region 70 kg/ha Nitrogen is used in the arable lands in the form of
fertilizer and from that low amount no surplus Nitrogen is occurring. Use of animal manure
involves a further 12 kgN/ha. The infiltrated communal waste water contribute to the
Nitrogen-load with 170 t, but its impact on the overall area is insignificant. Eight
significant point sources of pollution were found in the region.
In Hungary out of the 36 monitoring wells in arable land, 4 show higher maximum Nitrate-
content than 50 mg/l, and a further 5 maximum content range between 25 and 50 mg/l.
Nitrate content of the groundwater under settlements is generally higher than 50 mg/l.
8 of 25
MS_Code
RO_MU20, RO_MU22 / HU_P.2.12.1, HU_P.2.12.2
GW body
In Romania there is no detected risk neither for quantitative nor for qualitative status.
identified as
being at risk of
In Hungary the available groundwater resource is in the range of 20 - 40 Mm3/year
depending on the amount of the lateral flow from Romania (15 - 20 Mm3/year) and the
failing to meet
water demand of the groundwater dependent ecosystems (10 - 25 Mm3/year). The
the objectives
uncertainty is very large and comparing with the actual abstracted amount (30 M m3/year)
under Art. 4
the range of the use ratio can be from 0.75 (not at risk) to 1.5 (at risk). So, the classification
is not reliable, therefore more detailed assessment is needed. To be noted, that the
additional recharge highly depends on meteorological conditions and therefore the
situation is very sensitive to droughts. The trend analysis of the water level time series is
also uncertain, because it is difficult to separate the impact of the abstraction from that of
the variation of climate.
The point sources of pollution do not represent risk, since the total risk-factor is 0.007,
much less than the threshold value.
The smaller water body in Hungary (HU_P.2.12.1) is entirely Nitrate-sensitive area. The
preliminary risk assessment for diffuse Nitrate-sources shosw that in this part of the water
body nitrate-pollution exceeding the threshold value from diffuse sources (settlements,
agricultural areas) covers more than 20 % of the water body. In the water body charac-
terised by upward flow, the Nitrogen-load is similar, but the danger is lower. For final
classification, further analysis is needed, thus the water body complex is "possibly at risk".
Four nature conservation areas are in the region where the groundwater status is
considered as important for the vegetation. Their actual status is fitting to the requirements
of the ecosystems to be protected.
Lower
No lower objective is needed.
objectives
identified
according to
Art. 4 and
Annex II 2.4
and 2.5
Gaps and
The estimation of the available groundwater resources is uncertain. A common (Hungarian,
uncertainties in
Romanian) research is necessary to specify the amount of lateral flow from Romania to
the underlying
Hungary taking into account the planned water abstraction in Romania and to estimate
data
more precisely the water demand of the groundwater dependent ecosystems.
6: Somes / Szamos (only Romanian part)
MS_Code
RO_SO01, RO_SO13 / HU_P.2.1.2
descriptive text
RO & HU: Reasons for selecting as transboundary groundwater body
on the important The alluvial deposit of the Somes/Szamos River extends on both sides of the northern part of
transboundary
the Hungarian-Romanian border. It is also connected to the aquifer system lying in Ukraine
groundwater
body
close to the borders. The aquifer system supplies drinking water to a population of about
400,000 inhabitants in Romania and 50,000 inhabitants in Hungary. In the Hungarian side
due to the lowland character and the upward flow system, the terrestrial ecosystems need
surplus transpiration from the groundwater; 7 % of the area of the water body is under
nature conservation. The recharge zone is in Romania and in Ukraine, thus the available
groundwater resource and the status of the terrestrial ecosystems in the Hungarian side
depend on the lateral flow from the neighbouring countries. In the following the Romanian
and the Hungarian part of the water body complex will be described.
General description
The Somes/Szamos River has formed a 30 - 250 m thick alluvial deposit This Holocene-
Pleistocene formation is divided vertically in Romania by the horizon separating the Upper-
and Lower-Pleistocene strata. In Romania two water bodies are considered, overlapping
9 of 25
MS_Code
RO_SO01, RO_SO13 / HU_P.2.1.2
each other, covering a surface of 1440 km2. According to the Hungarian approach of
delineation, the cold part of the Upper-Pannonian and the Pleistocene and Holocene layers
are vertically unified. The Hungarian part can be characterised only by upward flow
system, thus no further horizontal separation is applied. The area covered by the water
body is 976 km2.
In Romania, the shallow (Holocene-Upper-Pleistocene) aquifer is unconfined, consisting of
sands, argillaceous sands, gravels and even boulders in the eastern part, and has a depth
of 25 - 35 m. The silty-clayey covering layer is 5 - 15 m thick.
The deeper (Lower-Pleistocene) aquifer is confined (it is separated from the Upper-
Pleistocene part by a clay layer); its bottom is declining from 30 m to 130 m below the
surface from East to West. The gravely and sandy strata (characteristic to westwards from
Satu-Mare town) represent the main aquifer for water supply in the region.
In Hungary (as part of the cold water body, the Quaternary (Pleistocene) and the Holocene
strata are 50 m thick at the Ukrainian border and its continuously declining bottom is
around 200 m bellow the surface at the western boundary. Mainly confined conditions
characterise the Hungarian part, with a silty clayey covering layer of 5 30 m (increasing
from the NE to the SW). The quaternary aquifer is sand or gravely sand, and the hydraulic
conductivity is ranging between 10 - 30 m/d. To be noted that the Hungarian water body
includes the cold water bearing part of the Pannonnian formation as well, to the depth of
400 - 450 m (below this level thermal water of more than 30 oC temperature can be found).
Depth of the groundwater level (mainly pressure in confined area) below the surface is
ranging between 2 and 5 m in Hungary. The flow direction is from the NEE to the SWW in
both countries, corresponding to the recharge and main discharge zones (rivers and area
with groundwater level close to the surface).
The recharge area is in the Romanian part of the water body (and in Ukraine). In Hungary
the infiltrated amount from the local recharge zones are supplying the neighbouring
discharge zones and can not be considered as part of the available groundwater resources.
description of
See also Body 5
methodology for RO & HU: Major pressures and impacts
estimating the
risk of failure to In Romania two large groundwater abstraction sites provide 33 Mm3/year of drinking water
achieve the
(in Satu-Mare area 64 wells, 25 Mm3/year and between Satu-Mare and Carei town 32 wells
good status
8 Mm3/year). Other abstractions for smaller waterworks and for irrigation.
In Hungary 5 Mm3/year is abstracted for different purposes, mainly for drinking water.
In Romania, the groundwater monitoring network in the alluvial fan of Somes River
includes 98 observation wells for the shallow aquifer, while about 20 monitoring wells
provide water level measurements in the Hungarian side. Continuous declining trend is not
observed neither in Hungary nor in Romania.
Arable land is the main land use in both countries. In the Hungarian region 86 kg/ha
Nitrogen fertilizer is applied, and surplus Nitrogen from that source is estimated at 20
kgN/ha. The animal manure adds a further 22 kgN/ha. In the unsewered settlements app. 90
t N is infiltrating with the wastewater into the groundwater, but it is insignificant at water
body level. The inventory has registered five significant point sources of pollution.
Ammonium in some wells exceeds the drinking water standard.
In Hungary 7 wells are available for regular quality monitoring. Additional wells used for
nitrate-survey in the arable land have not shown nitrate pollution. Groundwater under
settlements are generally polluted.
GW body
No quantitative risk is assessed in the Romanian side.
identified as
(In Hungary the 5 Mm3/year abstracted amount is compared to the estimated available
being at risk of
groundwater resources. The overall recharge of the Hungarian groundwater body mainly
failing to meet
the objectives
depends on the lateral flow from Romania and Ukraine, which is uncertain. The water
demand of the ecosystems is estimated at 8 - 15 Mm3/year.
under Art. 4
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RO_SO01, RO_SO13 / HU_P.2.1.2
In Romania, the deeper confined aquifer is naturally protected against surface pollution. In
the shallow aquifer, ammonium-content exceeding the drinking water standard value
appears in some observation wells, but this problem exists in less than 30 % of the wells
and generally isolated. In conclusion, the upper Romanian groundwater body also not at
risk.
In Hungary, despite the considerable diffuse Nitrogen-load from fertilizer and from manure,
the real pressure, i.e. the expected polluted area above the threshold is small, because the
upward flow system, providing natural protection against deep penetration, even if the
shallow part of the groundwater is polluted. The point sources of pollution do not represent
risk, since the total risk-factor is insignificant (around 0.004).
Considering all the above information together, it can be concluded, that the Hungarian
water body is also not at risk from chemical point of view.
Four nature conservation areas are in the region where the groundwater status is
considered as important for the vegetation. Their actual status is fitting to the special
requirements, no significant damage is registered.
Lower
No need for lower objectives.
objectives
identified
according to
Art. 4 and
Annex II 2.4
and 2.5
Gaps and
More information is needed about the lateral flow from Ukraine and a more precise
uncertainties in
estimation of the water demand of the groundwater dependent ecosystem is required.
the underlying
Although the pressure from the diffuse sources of pollution was assessed as not significant,
data
more information is needed about their real impact; development of the actual monitoring
is necessary.
7: Upper Pannonian-Lower Pleistocene GWB from Backa and Banat / Dunav / Duna-
Tisza köze déli r.
MS_Code
ROBA18 / CS_DU10 / HU_P.1.17.1, HU_P.1.17.2, HU_P.1.18.1, HU_P.2.10.1,
HU_P.2.10.2
descriptive text
RO: Criterion for delineation of this regional body was the development of fluvial-
on the important lacustrine Pannonian-Pleistocene aquiferous deposits, in the Bega and Timis River Basins.
transboundary
Lithologically, the water-bearing deposits are constituted of thin layers with fine towards
groundwater
medium grain-size (sands, rarely gravels), sometimes with lens aspect, situated at depth of
body
30 - 350 m.
The overlying strata are predominantly represented by detritic Quaternary deposits.
GWB is mainly used for drinking water supply, agricultural and industrial supplies.
The criterion for selection as "important" consists in its size that exceeds 4000 km˛.
CS: The criteria for the identification of this group of water bodies were the following:
Effective porosity of the aquifers;
Permeability and transmissivity of the aquifers;
Continuity of areal extent;
Quantitative and chemical status of the groundwater body;
Importance of the water body to municipal and industrial water supply.
HU: Delineation of groundwater bodies in Hungary has been carried out by:
1. Separation of the main geological features: porous aquifers in the basins, karstic
aquifers, mixed formations of the mountainous regions, other than karstic aquifers.
11 of 25
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ROBA18 / CS_DU10 / HU_P.1.17.1, HU_P.1.17.2, HU_P.1.18.1, HU_P.2.10.1,
HU_P.2.10.2
2. Thermal water bodies are separated according to the temperature greater than 30
şC. In the case of porous aquifers it is done vertically, while in karstic aquifers
horizontally. There are no thermal aquifers in the mountainous regions other than
karstic.
3. Further division is related to the subsurface catchment areas and vertical flow
system (in the case of porous aquifers) and to the structural and hydrological units
(in the case of karstic aquifers and mountainous regions).
For transboundary water bodies the more detailed further characterisation is carried out
(n.b. because of the numerous transboundary water bodies and the expected further 20 - 30
% due to the risk of failing good status, Hungary decided to apply the methodology of
further characterisation for all water bodies)
description of
RO: The criteria for the quality status assessment were: overlying strata for litho-
methodology for protection, groundwater actual quality, pressures and their possible impacts.
estimating the
CS: The groundwater status assessment (quantitative and chemical) will involve several
risk of failure to steps:
achieve the
good status
Collection and mapping of major diffuse and point sources, and abstraction and
discharge points
Preparation of groundwater body vulnerability maps;
Identification of dependent surface water bodies and dependent terrestrial
ecosystems;
Use of monitoring data for the determination of trends of groundwater level and
chemical status variation;
Risk assessment to determine whether the groundwater body is at risk of failing to
meet Article 4 status objectives;
Comparison with and verification of groundwater status assessments against
available monitoring data;
Combining the chemical risk assessment outcome with the quantity risk assessment
outcome to define the overall risk, the end result being the lower of the two.
HU: The quantitative status is primarily evaluated by comparing the available groundwater
resources and the actual groundwater abstraction (considered as valid for the coming years
as well). The available groundwater resources is calculated for each groundwater body as
the average recharge of the period 1991-2000 decreased by the water demand of springs,
rivers in low flow period and vegetation in summer, furthermore the lateral flow from
recharge to discharge area. The recharge is estimated by a national scale water balance
model, while the water demands of the ecosystems are estimated in function of the
morphology and groundwater flow system. Where the available information allow, area
affected by decreasing groundwater levels due to groundwater abstraction are also
delineated. Known requirements related to the good status of the groundwater dependent
ecosystems can also be applied.
Groundwater body is at risk from quantitative point of view, if (i) the area identified as
affected by decreasing tendency of groundwater levels is larger than 20 % of the area of the
groundwater body; or (ii) the actual abstraction is more than 80 % of the estimated
available groundwater resources of the water body, or (iii) important groundwater
dependent ecosystem is significantly damaged by anthropogenic alterations.
Evaluation of the chemical status is based on the analysis of N-load from different diffuse
sources (fertilizers and manure in agricultural area and in settlements as well as infiltrated
communal waste water from unsewered settlements and on the assessment of hazard from
point sources of pollution.
For each groundwater body the ratio of area where higher Nitrate-concentration than 37,5
mg/l is expected until 2015. The estimated concentration corresponds to the weighted
average of the upper 50 m of the water body. It is estimated in the case of different land
uses (using data of 3200 settlements and information on 2,500 locations where N-balance
have been established between 1999-2003, grouped into 12 types of crop and 12
agricultural homogeneous regions).
12 of 25
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ROBA18 / CS_DU10 / HU_P.1.17.1, HU_P.1.17.2, HU_P.1.18.1, HU_P.2.10.1,
HU_P.2.10.2
Data of existing monitoring in agricultural land is also used for the evaluation, if the
density allows reliable identification of the areas where the weighted Nitrate-concentration
of the upper 50 m greater than 37,5 mg/l. At present, pollution of pesticides can be
assessed only at national level.
Water body is at risk due to diffuse sources of pollution if in 12 years the weighted
concentration of the upper 50 m is greater than 37,5 mg/l in more than 20 % of the water
body's area. The urban land use and the arable lands can be evaluated separately, in order
to see their contribution.
For the evaluation of the risk related to the point sources of pollution significant pollution
sources are selected from the national database containing information on 15000 potential
and existing pollution sources. Criteria for selection: hazardous substances or pollutants in
large extent and soluble and mobile in water, groundwater or soil already polluted, no
appropriate technical protection. A factor of hazard for each pollution sources is
determined considering the hazard of the pollutants, size of the source of pollution,
recharge and groundwater flow system, protection zone of groundwater abstraction sites,
probability of pollution of groundwater, uncertainty of the existing information This factors
of hazard can be considered as an estimate of the affected volume of groundwater, whom
the average concentration after 12 years is equal to a threshold value.
The water body is at risk because of point sources of pollution, if the sum of the affected
volumes is larger than 20 % of the total volume of the upper 50 m of the water body.
The overall risk corresponding to the achievement of chemical status is determined based
on the sum of the affected volume determined for both point and diffuse sources of
pollution. In the case of diffuse pollution the volume can be estimated from the ratio of
area, considering the 50 m thick upper part of the water body.
The water body is considered at risk, if the sum of the affected volume corresponding to
point and diffuse sources is larger than 20 % of total volume of the upper 50 m of the water
body.
As a result of the risk assessment, the groundwater bodies in Hungary will be classified in
one of the four classes:
1. The good status can be achieved in 2015 (based on reliable, sufficient
information).
2. Achievement of the good status is at risk (based on reliable, sufficient information).
3. Achievement of the good status is possibly at risk (the available information
suggests risky situation, but the decision is not obvious either because the
reliability of the data, or the uncertainty of the methodology),
4. Decision is not possible, because the uncertainty of the available information
(insufficient data and knowledge) makes larger interval of the possible results than
acceptable, i.e., any of the above 3 types of decision can be taken.
GW body
RO: Based on available data, GWB is not at quantitative and qualitative risk.
identified as
being at risk of
failing to meet
the objectives
under Art. 4
Lower
objectives
identified
according to
Art. 4 and
Annex II 2.4
and 2.5
Gaps and
RO: There are almost sufficient data for defining of GWB structure and few quality and
uncertainties in
piezometric levels monitoring wells
the underlying
data
13 of 25
8: Podunajska Basin, Zitny Ostrov / Szigetköz, Hanság-Rábca
MS_Code
SK1000300P, SK1000200P / HU_P.1.1.1, HU_P.1.1.2
descriptive text
SK: Delineation of water bodies in Slovakia consists of the following steps:
on the important
3. The aquifers are vertically divided in three floors: Quaternary sediments, Pr-
transboundary
quaternary strata containing cold waters, thermal aquifers (temperature > 25 oC
groundwater
or it is considered as thermal by classification).
body
4. The pre-quaternary strata are further divided horizontally by geological types of
the aquifer: volcanic rocks, other fissured rocks, karstic rocks, porous sediments.
5. Further separation is due to the borders of the surface catchment areas considered
as river basin management units.
HU: Delineation of groundwater bodies in Hungary has been carried out by:
4. Separation of the main geological features: porous aquifers in the basins, karstic
aquifers, mixed formations of the mountainous regions, other than karstic aquifers.
5. Thermal water bodies are separated according to the temperature greater than
30 oC. In the case of porous aquifers it is done vertically, while in karstic aquifers
horizontally. There are no thermal aquifers in the mountainous regions other than
karstic.
6. Further division is related to the subsurface catchment areas and vertical flow
system (in the case of porous aquifers) and to the structural and hydrological units
(in the case of karstic aquifers and mountainous regions).
For transboundary water bodies the more detailed further characterisation is carried out
(n.b. because of the numerous transboundary water bodies and the expected further 20 30
% due to the risk of failing good status, Hungary decided to apply the methodology of
further characterisation for all water bodies).
Reasons for selecting as important transboundary groundwater body
The large alluvial deposit of the River Danube downstream Bratislava lies in three
countries: Slovakia (Podunajská lowland and its part: Zitný ostrov), Hungary (Northern
part of Kisalföld including the Szigetköz) and in Austria. The aquifer system has been
considered by Slovakia and Hungary as an important transboundary aquifer because of (i)
its size, (ii) the unique amount of available groundwater resource and the important actual
use for drinking water and other purposes as well (iii) the groundwater dependent
terrestrial ecosystem of the floodplain, (iv) majority of the area is protected (protection
zones of drinking water abstraction sites, nitrate sensitive areas, nature conservation
areas), (v) the existence of the Gabcikovo Hydropower System. Parts lying in these two
countries will be described in the following.
General description
The Danube has been playing the decisive role in the formation of the aquifer system. The
main aquifer is made up of 15-500 m thick Quaternary alluvia: hydraulically connected
mixture of sands, gravels, intercalated with numerous clay and silt lenses. The average
hydraulic conductivity is in the range of 100 500 m/day providing extremely high
transmissivity, especially in the centre of the basin. Here, the bottom of the underlying
Pannonian deposits is at a depth of 3500 m.
The aquifer is divided into several groundwater bodies in both countries. Despite the
differences in the delineation method of the two countries, it was possible to select the
relevant water bodies from transboundary point of view: two water bodies containing cold
water in Hungary, which beside the Quaternary strata include some part of the Upper-
Pannonian deposits as well, to the depth of 400 - 500 m corresponding to the surface
separating cold and thermal waters (1160 km2) and two Quaternary water bodies in
Slovakia (2193 km2) have been selected, i.e. 3353 km2 in total (see the summary table
above).
The aquifer can be considered as unconfined, despite the considerable area where the water
level is in the semi-permeable covering layer.
Due to the high transmissivity of the aquifer, the groundwater regime and groundwater
quality mainly depend on the surface water. The flow system and the type of covering layer
provide surplus recharge condition in the majority of the area, but the main source of
14 of 25
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SK1000300P, SK1000200P / HU_P.1.1.1, HU_P.1.1.2
groundwater recharge is the Danube. Before the construction of the hydropower system
(1992), the riverbed had been the infiltration surface, and the Danube's line had been the
hydraulic boundary between the countries as well (in upper parts of Danube stream
between Devín and Hrusov, approximately since 1970's, river bed started to drain
groundwater). In the actual situation, the artificial recharge system is the main source for
the vicinity of the Danube, but a remaining part of the aquifers in the Hungarian territory is
recharged by the Cunovo reservoir. Where the reservoir is in the neighbourhood of the
main channel (between Rajka and Dunakiliti) considerable transboundary groundwater
flow appears under the Danube. The Danube's river bed downstream the reservoir due to
the derived flow and the consequently decreased average water level - drains the
neighbouring groundwater, causing considerable drop of groundwater level in the
imminent vicinity of the river bed. Both the quantity and the quality of the recharge from the
reservoir highly depend on the continuously increasing deposit in the reservoir and the
developing physico-chemical processes. Deposits in the reservoir are extracted. Signs of
long-term changes of quantity and quality of recharge caused by continuously increasing
deposit in the reservoir were not observed in the Slovak part of the aquifer yet.
The depth of the groundwater table varies between 2 and 5 m. The wetting conditions of the
covering layer has substantially changed along the Danube and in the lower Szigetköz,
where prior to the derivation of the Danube the groundwater has fluctuated in the covering
layer and the existing artificial recharge system does not compensate sufficiently the former
influence of the Danube. On the Slovak territory, annual artificial flooding of the river
system in the high water periods seems to efficiently supply groundwater as well as the soil
moisture resources.
Major pressures and impacts
As a result of the favourable hydro-geological conditions, large amount of groundwater is
abstracted in both countries. The actual abstraction is 19.5 Million and 75.7 Million
m3/year respectively in Hungary and in Slovakia. The groundwater is mainly used for
drinking water and irrigation. On the Slovak side, water supply from this area covers
almost all the water demand of Bratislava area, which means about 500 000 inhabitants. In
Hungary 220 000 people are supplied from that source. The area is considered as
important future water resources as well. The estimated total available groundwater
resource (including forced bank filtration) is about 600 Mm3/y in Slovakia and
approximately 300 Mm3/y in Hungary, suitable for supplying large regional pipeline
system, which can provide healthy drinking water beyond the region as well.
The groundwater level monitoring is very much extended in both countries. In Hungary
around 330 monitoring wells (out of app. 10 % medium and deep wells) provide water level
time series. Piezometric levels are monitored on 320 monitoring wells in Slovakia, where
approximately 30% of time series data reaches 40 years of not interrupted monitoring. This
amount of data is sufficient for analysing all changes and tendencies.
Vegetation of the Danube's floodplain consists mainly of forest, which has been largely
influenced by the depth of groundwater table. Since close to the Danube the original level
and fluctuation has not yet been restored by measures, this part of the water body needs
special attention in the future, focusing on the determination of appropriate criteria of the
ecosystem and the monitoring. No trend due to groundwater abstraction has been detected
in the Hungarian side.
The groundwater quality is influenced by various factors such as surface waters connected
to the aquifer, household wastes from settlements, but also contaminants from stockyards
and from agricultural practices, since the region is important agricultural area in both
countries. In geologically vulnerable area a few settlements without sewage system must be
considered as potential source of pollution as well.
8 significant point sources of pollution can be accounted from the Hungarian national
database. The nitrogen fertilizer use is 80 kgN/ha, and together with the 16 kg N/ha manure
it leads to an average surplus-Nitrogen of 4 kg N/ha/year. In the settlements without sewer
system 160 t Nitrogen is infiltrated to the groundwater, which result polluted groundwater
under the settlements, but do not endanger the whole groundwater body.
Water quality monitoring has been installed in both countries. In Hungary, the monitoring
programme includes 130 wells, which are observed 1-4 times per year for regular
15 of 25
MS_Code
SK1000300P, SK1000200P / HU_P.1.1.1, HU_P.1.1.2
components. In Slovakia the monitoring programme in this area is subdivided into basic
programme (15 multi-levelled monitoring sites with the frequency of sampling 4 times per
year) and supplementary programme (19 sampling sites with the frequency of sampling 2
times per year).
It is valid for both countries that lower levels of dissolved oxygen (indicating reducing
conditions) cause relatively high concentrations of iron and manganese. Exceeded limit
values of organic substances in Slovakia occur only sporadically (nonpolar extractable
substances, 1,1-dichloroethane).
In the eastern part of Hungary, in the vicinity of the Austrian border the monitoring wells
show higher Nitrate-concentration than 50 mg/l. The extension is not known exactly, but the
similar pollution in the Austrian side and the direction of the flow (from Austria to
Hungary) makes evident that the trend is increasing.
In Slovakia the area is a protected water management area. The high vulnerability and the
intensive water abstraction and agricultural activities require high level of protection of the
available resources. In Hungary the entire area is nitrate-sensitive, 12 % belong to
protected zones of vulnerable drinking water abstraction sites, and 15 % to nature
conservation areas.
description of
SK: To evaluate the quantitative status of GWB and to estimate the risk of failure of
methodology for achieving good quantitative status, two mainstream approaches were applied:
estimating the
(1) COMPLEX SETTING OF THE RATIO OF ACCEPTABLE WITHDRAWALS LOAD FROM THE AVAILABLE
risk of failure to GROUNDWATER RESOURCES WITHIN GROUNDWATER BODIES.
achieve the good Data of the State water management balance of groundwater for pertinent GWB - available
status
groundwater resources and data on groundwater withdrawal are used. The available
groundwater resources are determined either according to the hydrological balance of the
area, or on the basis of documented groundwater sources inventory (pumping tests in the
wells, long-term data about spring discharges). Data on groundwater withdrawals are
based on the state database of realized withdrawals according to the applicable legislation
(registration of withdrawals over 1250 m3 per months, 9000 points).
Groundwater body is at risk to reach good quantitative status if :
- the annual groundwater withdrawals during last 5 years for the whole GWB exceed 50 %
of the documented available groundwater resources;
or
- inside of GWB there are localities with groundwater abstraction more than 85% of
documented groundwater sources (ecological aspect of abstraction) .
(2) TREND ANALYSES OF MONITORED GROUNDWATER TABLE LEVELS WITHIN GROUNDWATER
BODIES AND ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL DECREASING TRENDS,
Groundwater body is also at risk to reach good quantitative status if :
- the linear trend evaluation of long term monitoring data of groundwater regime show
important decreasing trend and in the same time there is documented influence on the
dependent ecosystems.
The evaluation of chemical status and estimating the risk of failure to achieve good status of
GWB were based on :
Evaluation of present qualitative status of groundwater
Determination of potential risk owing to which groundwater does not reach "good
chemical status"
Evaluation of present qualitative status of groundwater in Slovakia is realized
according to the chemical composition of groundwater consisted of 16 359 analyses
(statistical density of sampling was 3 samples/1 km2) divided into the delineated
groundwater bodies. As quality criterium a "contamination index" is selected (Backman-
Bodis-Lahermo-Rapant-Tarvainen, 1998), which were calculated for each analysed
component that exceed limit value of National Dinking Water Standard. For calculation of
contamination index of each sample, the following input indicators of groundwater were
used: total dissolved solids (TDS), NO3, Cl, SO4, As, F, Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, Se, NH4, Al,
Mn, Zn, Fe, Na and Sb.
16 of 25
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SK1000300P, SK1000200P / HU_P.1.1.1, HU_P.1.1.2
Potential risk of delineated groundwater bodies is estimated on the basis of evaluation of
potential impacts of diffuse and point sources of pollution and groundwater vulnerability.
Particular information layers are:
Land use classes (Corine Land Cover)
Point sources of contamination (GeoEnviron system)
Present groundwater quality map of Slovakia
Map of groundwater vulnerability
For estimation of potential risk from diffuse sources of contamination classification of
land use classes is used. Map of loads is combined with vulnerability map.
Evaluation of potential risk from point sources for whole area of Slovakia is based on a
complex methodology, processed by GeoEnviron system by means of final risk score. Sum
of groundwater risk was determined based on the final risk scores. Database of this system
contains the following data sources (7764 sites) - database of landfills and point sources of
pollution.
Cumulative potential risk map from diffuse and point sources is compared with present
groundwater quality map of Slovakia.
Groundwater body is at risk to reach good qualitative status if :
poor groundwater quality according to the map of present qualitative status
moderate and high potential cumulative risk of point and diffuse sources of
pollution according to they potential impact and properties of aquifer
(vulnerability).
Independent potential risk point sources of pollution are located in moderate and highly
vulnerable environment and show high potential impact on groundwater, whereas are not
located in higher defined areas. While identification of groundwater bodies at risk, at risk is
water body with following criteria:
·
Potential area of pollution for one point source is 79 km2 (by 5 km radius of
potentially polluted area around point source)
Allowed number of point sources in gw body = (gw body area / 79).0,5
HU: The quantitative status is primarily evaluated by comparing the available groundwater
resources and the actual groundwater abstraction (considered as valid for the coming years
as well). The available groundwater resources is calculated for each groundwater body as
the average recharge of the period 1991-2000 decreased by the water demand of springs,
rivers in low flow period and vegetation in summer, furthermore the lateral flow from
recharge to discharge area. The recharge is estimated by a national scale water balance
model, while the water demands of the ecosystems are estimated in function of the
morphology and groundwater flow system. Where the available information allow, area
affected by decreasing groundwater levels due to groundwater abstraction are also
delineated. Known requirements related to the good status of the groundwater dependent
ecosystems can also be applied.
Groundwater body is at risk from quantitative point of view, if (i) the area identified as
affected by decreasing tendency of groundwater levels is larger than 20 % of the area of the
groundwater body; or (ii) the actual abstraction is more than 80 % of the estimated
available groundwater resources of the water body, or (iii) important groundwater
dependent ecosystem is significantly damaged by anthropogenic alterations.
Evaluation of the chemical status is based on the analysis of N-load from different diffuse
sources (fertilizers and manure in agricultural area and in settlements as well as infiltrated
communal wastewater from unsewered settlements and on the assessment of hazard from
point sources of pollution.
For each groundwater body the ratio of area where higher Nitrate-concentration than 37,5
mg/l is expected until 2015. The estimated concentration corresponds to the weighted
average of the upper 50 m of the water body. It is estimated in the case of different land
uses (using data of 3200 settlements and information on 2500 locations where N-balance
has been established between 1999-2003, grouped into 12 types of crop and 12 agricultural
homogeneous regions).
17 of 25
MS_Code
SK1000300P, SK1000200P / HU_P.1.1.1, HU_P.1.1.2
Data of existing monitoring in agricultural land is also used for the evaluation, if the
density allows reliable identification of the areas where the weighted Nitrate-concentration
of the upper 50 m greater than 37,5 mg/l. At present pollution of pesticides can be assessed
only at national level.
Water body is at risk due to diffuse sources of pollution if in 12 years the weighted
concentration of the upper 50 m is greater than 37,5 mg/l in more than 20 % of the water
body's area. The urban land use and the arable lands can be evaluated separately, in order
to see their contribution.
For the evaluation of the risk related to the point sources of pollution significant pollution
sources are selected from the national database containing information on 15000 potential
and existing pollution sources. Criteria for selection: hazardous substances or pollutants in
large extent and soluble and mobile in water, groundwater or soil already polluted, no
appropriate technical protection. A factor of hazard for each pollution sources is
determined considering the hazard of the pollutants, size of the source of pollution,
recharge and groundwater flow system, protection zone of groundwater abstraction sites,
probability of pollution of groundwater, uncertainty of the existing information. This factor
of hazard can be considered as an estimate of the affected volume of groundwater, whom
the average concentration after 12 years is equal to a threshold value.
The water body is at risk because of point sources of pollution, if the sum of the affected
volumes is larger than 20 % of the total volume of the upper 50 m of the water body.
The overall risk corresponding to the achievement of chemical status is determined based
on the sum of the affected volume determined for both point and diffuse sources of
pollution. In the case of diffuse pollution the volume can be estimated from the ratio of
area, considering the 50 m thick upper part of the water body.
The water body is considered at risk, if the sum of the affected volume corresponding to
point and diffuse sources is larger than 20 % of the total volume of the upper 50 m of the
water body.
As a result of the risk assessment, the groundwater bodies in Hungary will be classified in
one of the four classes:
1. The good status can be achieved in 2015 (based on reliable, sufficient
information).
2. Achievement of the good status is at risk (based on reliable, sufficient information).
3. Achievement of the good status is possibly at risk (the available information
suggests risky situation, but the decision is not obvious either because the
reliability of the data, or the uncertainty of the methodology),
Decision is not possible, because the uncertainty of the available information (insufficient
data and knowledge) makes larger interval of the possible results than acceptable, i.e., any
of the above 3 types of decision can be taken.
GW body
The actual abstraction from the groundwater is much less than the estimated available
identified as
groundwater resource. The use ratio is only 12 - 13 % in Slovakia and 7 % in Hungary.
being at risk of
From groundwater abstraction point of view the water bodies are not at risk in both
failing to meet
countries.
the objectives
Even if the water balance shows globally a good quantitative status, according to Hungary
under Art. 4
the present groundwater table and fluctuation does not meet the requirements of the
ecosystem characterising the period prior the damming. Referring to the WFD's general
criteria of the good quantitative status regarding groundwater dependent ecosystems, the
water body is considered at risk.
According to risk assessment results, groundwater quantitative status is not at risk on
Slovak side, also groundwater dependent ecosystems are not reported to be under the threat
on the Slovak side as explained by some previous comments.
In part of Podunajská lowland (Zitný ostrov and the right part of Danube River) the bodies
of Quaternary sediments from aspect of chemical status are divided into two groups:
groundwaters with poor chemical status in upper part and with good chemical status in
deeper parts. Main contaminants in case of upper part are nitrates; iron and manganese do
to prevailing reducing conditions and present of potentially risk diffuse sources.
18 of 25
MS_Code
SK1000300P, SK1000200P / HU_P.1.1.1, HU_P.1.1.2
In Hungary, the point sources of pollution don't make the water body "at risk" since the
potentially affected volume of water is 8 % of the total volume of the upper 50 m (the
threshold is 20 %). Although the actual use of fertilizers is decreasing and do not endanger
large area, the water body is at risk from the chemical status point of view, due to the
Nitrate-pollution originating from Austria.
An additional element of the chemical risk is related to the insufficient knowledge on the
long-term impact of the reservoir on groundwater quality, which is still uncertain and can
influence the water quality of large volume of groundwater. Until the uncertainty is not
eliminated by sufficiently long monitoring, achievement of the good status would not be
reliably declared.
Lower objectives No lower objective is necessary at the moment.
identified
according to Art.
4 and Annex II
2.4 and 2.5
Gaps and
In Hungary the data provided by the qualitative monitoring are considered as not
uncertainties in
sufficiently long for estimating future impacts of the clogging reservoir.
the underlying
Considering the requirements of the groundwater dependent ecosystems (surplus water for
data
transpiration) close to the natural river bed of the Danube, analysis of the optimal
fluctuation of the groundwater level corresponding to good ecological status of the
groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystem is also required.
9: Bodrog
MS_Code
SK1001500P / HU_P2.4.2, HU_P2.5.2
descriptive text
Delineation: see Body 8
on the important Reasons for selecting as important transboundary groundwater body
transboundary
At the common eastern border of Slovakia and Hungary, the alluvial aquifer system
groundwater
corresponding to the Bodrog River catchment area in Slovakia and the Tisza-valley between
body
Záhony and Tokaj (confluence with the Bodrog River) has been selected as important due to
(i) its significance in meeting the water demand of the region, (ii) contamination threat of
the groundwater in the vicinity of state border between Slovakia and Hungary. Some part of
the water aquifer system is in Ukraine.
General description
The aquifer is the alluvial deposit of the Bodrog River and its tributaries. The Tisza divides
the lowland area in Hungary into Bodrogköz (northern part) and Rétköz (Southern part).
Holocene silty-clayey layers cover the surface with peaty areas. The Quaternary aquifer is
around 60 m thick in the Slovakian side and its thickness gradually increases in Hungary
towards the South (50-200 m). The fluvial sediments (from sandy gravels in the North to
sands is the South with intercalated silt and clay lenses) can be characterized by 5 30 m/d
hydraulic conductivity.
In the Slovakian part only the Quaternary aquifer system is part of the transboundary water
body-complex while in Hungary the Upper part of the Pannonian formation is also attached
(depth is app. 500 m, corresponding to water temperature less than 30 oC). The horizontal
extension of the water body in the Slovak side is 1466 km2, while in Hungary the two water
bodies cover an area of 1300 km2.
The main recharge area is in the Slovakian territory. The rain waters infiltrate at the
marginal mountains and penetrate into permeable deep aquifers. In the upstream part of the
catchment area surface waters also contribute to the recharge. In the Slovakian side the
water bodies are mainly unconfined or in some places partly confined. In Hungary both
water bodies are in discharge position and the main aquifers can be considered as
confined. Here the groundwater level lies close to (between 2 and 4 m below) the surface.
Where it is around 2 m below the surface, the groundwater can considerably contribute to
the transpiration need of the vegetation, which are adapted to that condition, and
19 of 25
MS_Code
SK1001500P / HU_P2.4.2, HU_P2.5.2
consequently they are very sensitive to the status of the groundwater. The surplus of
evapotranspiration and the artificial drainage system (canals) collect the upward
groundwater flow. From South, the sandy hills of Nyírség contribute to the discharged
groundwater as well, but the boundary of the waters of different origin is not exactly known
(that is why both discharge areas in Hungary have been attached to the transboundary
aquifer). The general direction of the groundwater flow is N-S (NE-SW) to the North of the
Tisza River and SE-NW in the Rétköz and uncertain below the Tisza.
The regional hydro-geochemical picture follows the flow system. Close to the river bed
sections recharging groundwater, the water quality is almost the same as in surface
streams. Generally low TDS, Ca-Mg-HCO3 type waters occur in the recharge areas, Na-
HCO3 waters dominate in the middle and western part of Rétköz, and mixture of these two
types in the western part of Bodrogköz region. At the centre of the Bodrogköz, elevated Cl-
content indicates strong upward migration from the deeper zones.
The major water quality problem of natural origin in the Bodrogköz Quaternary aquifer
complex is the high iron and manganese content (reducing conditions). In the Rétköz
elevated (10 - 30 µ/l) arsenic-content occurs.
The estimated amount of available groundwater resources is almost 50 Mm3/year in the
Slovakian part, out of that 10 15 Mm3/year should be maintained as lateral flow towards
the Hungarian part. It is to be mentioned, that the southern part of the Hungarian discharge
area receives water from the southern recharge areas as well, but no local recharge can be
considered available for abstraction in the Bodrogköz and Rétköz.
Major pressures and impacts
The groundwater is mainly used for drinking water supply, but partially for industrial and
agricultural purposes (inc. irrigation) as well. The use ratio is quite low in Slovakia: only
10 %. The development is limited by occurrence of technologically inappropriate
substances in water (Mn, Fe) and sometimes also by groundwater pollution from surface
waters, industry, agriculture and transport infrastructure (Strázske, Hencovce, Michalovce,
Cierna nad Tisou).
In Hungary the available groundwater resources of the two water bodies are quite different.
In the northern part, which is in close relation to the Slovakian part, the water demand of
the groundwater dependent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems can be estimated at 5 - 8
Mm3/d, thus the available groundwater resources is in the range of 5 - 7 Mm3/year. The
abstracted amount of groundwater is 3 Mm3/year, so the ratio is around 50 %, but the
majority is concentrated to Ronyva/Roava river valley. In the southern part, the lateral
flow from the recharge zone of Nyírség (app. 30 Mm3/year) provides sufficient water for the
minimum water demand of ecosystems (8-12 Mm3/year) and for 8 Mm3/year of abstraction.
The groundwater quality in the Slovakian part (mainly the alluvial sediments along
Laborec) is strongly influenced by potentially risk diffuse (mainly agricultural activities)
and point sources (chemical industry Chemko Strázske etc.). In Hungary 10 significant
point sources of pollution have been registered. The shallow groundwater has usually high
nitrate under the settlements, because of the inappropriate handling of manure and the
totally or partially missing sewer systems. The agriculture contributes to the pollution as
well, through use of chemicals. The estimated amunt of surplus Nitrogen is 15 kgN/ha/year
originated from the use of 88 kgN/ha/year fertilizer and 13 kgN/year manure.
The groundwater quality in Slovakia is monitored in 21 sampling sites, groundwater
samples are taken from the first aquifer once a year (in the autumn). In agricultural area
nitrogen substances and micro-pollutants have been found exceeding limit values. The
Hungarian water quality monitoring is concentrating in the surrounding of waterworks. The
quality of the Ronyva/Roava aquifer close to the waterworks of Sátoraljaújhely shows
increasing tendency of Nitrate pollution: the average concentration is around 30 mg/l, and
in one production well the Nitrate-concentration exceeds the limit value of 50 mg/l.
Information on pollution in arable lands is practically missing in this region.
The high vulnerability of groundwater and the expected future development in water
demand requires high level of protection in the Slovakian part of the region mainly oriented
to measures focused on industrial pollution sources. In Hungary the protection zones of the
waterworks (5 %) need special attention.
20 of 25
MS_Code
SK1001500P / HU_P2.4.2, HU_P2.5.2
description of
See Body 8
methodology for
estimating the
risk of failure to
achieve the good
status
GW body
Despite the local problem of the Ronyva/Roava aquifer where the exploitation is 100 %
identified as
and the demand would be higher than the available amount, the water bodies are not at risk
being at risk of
from quantitative point of view. However this aquifer needs special attention.
failing to meet
According to the Slovakian method of identification of delineated groundwater bodies at
the objectives
risk as a summary, the groundwater body in the Slovakian part is considered at risk from
under Art. 4
potentially risk diffuse, point sources and present chemical state point of view. Main
contaminants are nitrates, manganese coupled with elevated TDS values.
In Hungary the estimated danger related to the point sources of pollution does not show
risk (the ratio is 0,006 against 0,1 of threshold value) The preliminary evaluation of the
Nitrate-load from settlements and from agriculture does not show risky situation, especially
because of the confined conditions and the regionally characteristic upward flow system.
The Nitrate pollution of the Ronyva/Roava aquifer represents potential danger for the half
of the resources originated from Slovakia, but the actual extent of the problem compared to
the whole groundwater body should be further assessed. Therefore the water body is
classified in the category "possibly at risk".
Lower objectives No lower objective is needed.
identified
according to Art.
4 and Annex II
2.4 and 2.5
Gaps and
Although the pressure from the diffuse sources of pollution was assessed as not significant,
uncertainties in
more information is needed about their real impact; development of the actual monitoring
the underlying
is necessary.
data
10: Slovensky kras / Aggtelek-hgs.
MS_Code
SK200480KF / HU_K2.2.1
descriptive text
Delineation: see Body 8
on the important Reasons for selecting as important transboundary groundwater body
transboundary
The Aggtelek Mountain and the Slovensky kras form a large common karstic aquifer system
groundwater
in the Eastern part of the counrtries. It is selected for presenting in the Danube-basin report
body
as important transboundary water body: (i) National Park covers the majority of its
surface, where the role of the groundwater is presented by springs and stalactite caves, (ii)
significant drinking water resource in Slovakia, regionally important in Hungary (iii)
vulnerable area requiring protection.
General description
The groundwater body is in a Mesozoic complex with morphologically visible karstic
plateau and canyon-like valleys of water courses, separating different units.
Hydrogeological units are very different according to the character of permeability,
character of groundwater circulation, type of groundwater regime, and also in the resulting
yield of groundwater springs. From hydro-geological point of view, the most important
tectonic unit in the area is the Silicicum unit, mainly its Middle Triassic and Upper Triassic
part. The most important aquifer here is the Middle and Upper Triassic limestone and
dolomites with karst-fissure type of permeability. Similarly important hydrogeological units
in the Hungarian side are Alsóhegy, Nagyoldal, Hasagistya and Galyaság, which contain
the Aggtelek-Domica cave system. Tertiary basins act as a regional impermeable barrier
for the groundwater accumulated in Triassic limestone.
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MS_Code
SK200480KF / HU_K2.2.1
The transboundary karstic aquifer is divided into two water bodies by the state-border. The
horizontal extensions are 598 km2 and 471 km2 respectively in Slovakia and in Hungary,
thus the total size is 1069 km2.
Groundwater circulation in these rocks is controlled by extreme heterogeneity of carbonate
rocks, following the tectonic development. These tectonically pre-destinated drainage
structures show the major influence on the directions of groundwater flow. Majority of
groundwater is drained towards big karstic springs. Areas between such tectonic faults are
less karstified and also less permeable. If not drained by cave systems or permeable
tectonic faults, groundwater usually feeds the Quaternary coverage. Specific hydraulic
feature of the karstified carbonate complex with preferred drainage structures is that no
continuous groundwater table ca be defined within the rock mass. Groundwater in many
cases only fills up karstic openings conduits, sometimes enlarged into the cave systems,
while segments between the preferred groundwater routes are unsaturated. On the other
hand, groundwater level changes in these zones are sharp and show quick response to the
meteorological situation. Typical amplitude of groundwater level change is from 5 to 15 m.
In such levels above the erosion base perennial springs occur after an intensive rainfall
events or sudden snowmelts. Hidden outflow to the deeper structures within and outside of
the area the territory (generally of westward direction under the Tertiary sediments of the
Rimavská kotlina Basin) is considered to be quite important from the water management
point of view. Groundwater abstraction for various purposes is concentrated at the natural
outflows of springs relatively small portion is abstracted by pumping from boreholes and
wells.
Major pressures and impacts
The estimated amount of available resources in Slovenský kras is 40,4 Mm3/year, the actual
use is 21 % of available resources, mainly for drinking water purposes.
In the Hungarian side only the amount of karstic water is utilized, which flows out naturally
from karstic springs in Jósvaf, Szögliget, Komjáti, Égerszög and Aggtelek. There are
enough data about karst spring discharge. Observed discharge data are available for a
period of nearly 30 years. Because of the National Park no important karstic water
abstraction will be planned on the area.
On the plateaux, forestry is predominant, with some agriculture, settlements and related
economic activities are concentrated in the basins and river valleys. In both countries only
a few point sources of pollution occur and the intensive agriculture is also insignificant.
National Parks cover the majority of the area. In addition, in Hungary the total area of the
groundwater body is considered as Nitrate-sensitive.
The groundwater quality in the Slovakian side has been monitored in 16 sampling sites,
groundwater samples are taken from the first aquifer once a year (in the autumn). Quality
monitoring shows no deterioration of the water quality compared to drinking water
standard.
6 karst springs are monitored 4 times per year for quality sampling in Hungary, which do
not show signs of pollution.
description of
See Body 8
methodology for
estimating the
risk of failure to
achieve the good
status
GW body
In respect to quantitative status, both parts of the transboundary aquifer is not at risk, even
identified as
if the ecological criteria corresponding to minimal flow of springs are not yet precisely
being at risk of
determined.
failing to meet
According to the Slovakian method of identification of delineated groundwater bodies at
the objectives
risk, Slovakia classifies its part not at risk from qualitative point of view. In Hungary the
under Art. 4
protected area (National Park and Nitrate sensitive areas) cover the total territory, and the
open karstic area belongs to the very vulnerable category, but the Hungarian methodology
for risk assessment does not consider the vulnerable area automatically at risk.
22 of 25
MS_Code
SK200480KF / HU_K2.2.1
Lower objectives No lower objective should be determined, but the nature conservation areas would need
identified
special requirements
according to Art.
4 and Annex II
2.4 and 2.5
Gaps and
The ecologically necessary spring rates for corresponding surface waters are not yet
uncertainties in
known, but the precautionary approach, i.e. the use of natural spring yield only, makes the
the underlying
critical situation easily manageable
data
11: Komarnanska Vysoka Kryha / Dunántúli-khgs. északi r.
MS_Code
SK300010FK, SK300020FK / HU_K.1.3.1, HU_K.1.3.2, HU_K.1.5.1, HU_K.1.5.2
descriptive text
Delineation: see Body 8
on the important Reasons for selecting as important transboundary groundwater body
transboundary
The Middle and Upper-Triassic karstic dolomite and limestone formation of the northern
groundwater
body
part of the Transdanubian Mountain (Hungary) and the Komarnanská Výsoká Kryha
(Slovakia) belong to one of the largest karstic aquifer systems in Central Europe. It
provides good quality drinking water for the population of the region in Hungary,
contributes to the characteristic landscape by supplying springs and the deeper part of the
aquifer system is very important thermal water resources in both countries.
General description
The karstic formation of the northern part of the Transdanubian Mountains is composed
mainly of Upper-Triassic dolomite and limestone. The considerable matrix porosity of the
dolomite is due to the dense fissure-system, while in the limestone large fractures are
characteristic along the faults. The elevated open karstic zones are separated by sunken
basins, where the thickness of the covering layer is several hundred meter. Above the
thermal part it exceeds 500 m of thickness (in some places it reaches even 2500 m)
consisting of different types of sediments: sand, clay, marl, sandstone, Eocene karstic
formation with brown coal.
The Slovakian part (the Komarno block) extends between Komarno and Sturovo. It is
fringed by the Danube River in the South and by the E-W Hurbanovo fault in the North. The
southern limit along the Danube is tectonic as well and therefore the Komarno block is a
sunken tract of the northern slope of the Gerecse and Pilis Mountains. The Komarno block
consists largely of Triassic dolomites and limestones up to 1 000 m in thickness. The surface
of the pre-Tertiary substratum plunges towards the north from a depth of approximately
100 m near the River Danube to as much as 3 000 m near the Hurbanovo fault.
The karstic aquifer is divided into six water bodies. In Hungary, where the recharge area
appears, two water bodies bearing cold waters (HU_K.1.3.1 and HU_K1.5.1) have been
delineated according to the flow system. The thermal water bodies (in Hungary waters with
temperature more than 30 oC is considered as thermal, while in Slovakia the limit is 25 oC:
HU_K.1.3.2, HU_K1.5.2, SK_300010FK and SK_300020FK) are in close hydraulic
connection with the cold ones. To be noted, that the missing continuation of the cold water
bodies in the Slovakian part is mainly due to the different consideration of the limit of
temperature. Taking into account hydro-geothermal aspects, the deep Slovakian karstic
aquifer is divided into the Komarno high block (SK 300010FK) and the Komarno marginal
block (SK300020FK). The total area of the transboundary water body-complex is 3601 km2
(563 km2 in Slovakia and 3138 km2 in Hungary).
The Danube River is the regional erosion base of the water bodies. The water level
fluctuation is in strong relation with the water level changes in the river. The water bodies
are hydraulically connected. It is valid at the border of the countries as well, i.e. under the
Danube and the Ipoly/Ipel Rivers, making the abstractions of water in both countries highly
interrelated.
The recharge area is in the Hungarian side and the total recharge is estimated at 60 Mm3/y.
Without abstraction this amount of water is discharged by the springs and by the upward
23 of 25
MS_Code
SK300010FK, SK300020FK / HU_K.1.3.1, HU_K.1.3.2, HU_K.1.5.1, HU_K.1.5.2
flow towards the covering layer, and some part is infiltrating to the deeper, thermal part.
The temperature of the water abstracted (captured) from the Hungarian thermal water
bodies does not exceed 50 oC. Heat-flow densities suggest that the Komarno high block can
be characterised by a fairly low (thermal spring at Sturovo and Patince are 39 and 26 oC
warm) and the marginal block by a medium geothermal activity (40 68 oC). Heat flow
given in mW/m2 is 50- 60 in Komárno high block and 60 70 mW/m2 in Komárno marginal
block, both considered as low values.
Coefficient of transmissivity in the high block varies from 13 to 100 m2/d, while in the
marginal block between 4 to 20 m2/d. Prognostic recoverable amount of thermal water in
the high block is estimated at 12,000 m3/d water of 20 to 40 oC warm. In the marginal block
the abstracted thermal water should be re-injected after use.
Major pressures and impacts
In Hungary the actual abstractions are apr. 30 M m3/y from the cold part and 2 M m3/y
from the thermal part. In Slovakia the thermal water abstraction is 0,6 M m3/y mainly in
area Komárno-Patince-Stúrovo. The cold karstic water is used for drinking water, the
thermal water for balneology (in Hungary and in Slovakia) and for energy production (in
Slovakia). Disposal of used geothermal water is solved in Slovakia by discharge into
surface water (River Danube and Váh) after dilution with groundwater on acceptable
qualitative parameters.
Due to the mining activities in the 20th century, the actual water levels - especially in the
cold water bodies in the Hungarian side - are significantly lower than the long-term natural
averages and as a consequence all cold and lukewarm karstic springs dried out. In the
Slovak side the regime of geothermal water (decreasing discharges of wells) was also
affected by the extensive pumping of karstic water from coal mines in Tatabánya and Dorog
(Hungary). After the mining was stopped (in 1993), the water levels have been showing
increasing trend and the gradual reappearance of the springs is forecasted in the coming 5-
15 years.
The abandoned cuts and fields of mine submerged by the rising karstic water represent a
potential pollution source. Water quality monitoring has been installed, but data are not
sufficient for estimating future impacts.
In extremely vulnerable open karstic area a few settlements should be considered as
potential source of pollution. Relatively a high number of significant pollution exists in the
area (40). The majority is lying above the not vulnerable covered part. The average amount
of Nitrogen fertilizer is 86 kgN/ha/year, the use of manure is insignificant (3 kgN/ha/year).
The surplus Nitrogen from agriculture is 17 kgN/ha/year, but in the majority of the area the
thick covering layers provide natural protection. (Localities in real danger should be
assessed at smaller scale, focusing on open karstic zones).
description of
See Body 8
methodology for
estimating the
risk of failure to
achieve the good
status
GW body
In Hungary the use ratio can be 70 % - 130 % of the available groundwater resource
identified as
depending on the consideration of the following water demands: (i) spring rates to assure
being at risk of
the ecologically necessary low flow in the creeks of the region and used and to provide
failing to meet
water for balneological and recreational purpose as well, (ii) the natural upward flow from
the objectives
the karstic aquifers contributing to the groundwater levels in the lowland close to the
under Art. 4
Danube, providing suitable conditions for terrestrial ecosystems of high demand of
transpiration. The total amount can range between 15 and 35 Mm3/year (mostly depending
on the requested rate of the karstic springs around Tata town. So, the uncertainty is very
high, especially considering that the actual state still shows the impact of the former
lowering of water levels related to the mining.
In Hungary the authorisation of thermal water abstraction is very limited, the control is
strict, therefore the abstraction is less than the available amount, but the increasing
demand still represents a continuous pressure.
24 of 25
MS_Code
SK300010FK, SK300020FK / HU_K.1.3.1, HU_K.1.3.2, HU_K.1.5.1, HU_K.1.5.2
Information about long-term geothermal water regime (pressure), abstraction and quality
aspects are not sufficient in Slovak side.
Considering the actual pressures, status and the uncertainty together, the risk assessment
can not be done in reliable way neither for the qualitative nor the quantitative status. About
missing information see the corresponding chapter below.
Lower objectives At the moment no lower objective is foreseen. In the Hungarian side the overexploitation of
identified
groundwater by mining caused problems, which could be handled by lower objectives, but
according to Art. considering the stop of the mining activity and the recovering water levels, the achievement
4 and Annex II
of the good quantitative status is not at risk. Further monitoring is required for
2.4 and 2.5
confirmation of real achievement of good quantitative and qualitative status, as the results
were not proven yet.
Gaps and
In Hungary the environmental requirements (minimum yield) towards the reappearing
uncertainties in
karstic spring has to be determined, which deeply influences the available groundwater
the underlying
resources. The recovery of the water levels is also to be analysed.
data
The real impact on the water quality of the abandoned mine should be investigated by
adequate monitoring.
This resource serves to recharge the abstractions from the thermal aquifers too, whose
mechanism is not very well known. The flow system (communication and recharge
conditions) between the cold and the thermal part and inside the thermal blocs is to be
studied in order to estimate the available thermal resources in a more appropriate way. In
Hungary the monitoring data are insufficient, while in Slovakia there is no national
geothermal monitoring network.
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