Eco-friendly SPA management in region and guidance for sustainable use of local thermal and mineral groundwater resources
Kontinentalna Hrvatska
Main challenges were small delays in the pilot action due to COVID-19 pandemic, but they have been sucessfully overcomed. Aim of this pilot action is to investigate the environmental impact of using and managing groundwater sources which are used (or will be used) in a different ways.
The key steps:
Križevci have an abandoned geothermal well close to the city centre uphill nearby. The source has been explored throughout the years and has shown good balneological characteristics in 2009, by the Public Health Teaching Institute "Dr. Andrija Štampar“, Zagreb.
For the Križevci pilot site, a non-invasive research was done by experts with students of Faculty of Geotehnical Engineering so it was a good opportunity for student’s practical work. It was an assessment on Križevci thermal & mineral water in possibility of closing the loop of water flow in order to avoid depletion of resources. So, first deliverable, finished in Novemeber 2020, was the Multidimensional (environmental and geophysical) study on the circular way of using existing resources of thermal & mineral water providing sustainable use and preserve natural aquifer characteristics (such as pressure) & prevent depletion of groundwater
Another study in 2021 was done at second site – the AP Terme Sveti Martin SPA complex for its impact on the local environment. Study determine if available techniques of research & monitoring are adequate in terms of protecting nature & groundwater flow in areas where boreholes are made.
Therefore, PP6’s key stakeholders and Regional working group consists not only of SPA and thermomineral waters experts, but also of SPA managers, governmental and administration officials, students of the respected Faculties – all important for the future sustainable management of SPAs and thermomineral waters’ protection. Associated partner Terme Sveti Martin will also host an interesting ECO-SPA conference regarding green business in SPA management and usage of the thermomineral sources in eco-friendly way.
Main indicators:
• Multidimensional study on the circular way of using existing resources of thermal and mineral water providing sustainable use and preserve natural aquifer characteristics and prevention of depletion of groundwater
• Team of experts (and students) who conduct a magnetoteluric research needed for multidimensional study
• Report on results of the tool application for assessing the impacts and environmental capacity in Kontinentalna Hrvatska
• Study (AP Terme Sveti Martin) to determine if available techniques of research and monitoring used in region are adequate in terms of protecting nature and groundwater flow in areas where boreholes are made.
• One Regional ECO-SPA conference in Sveti Martin (2-day event with panel discussions)
• Management plan of using thermomineral water in the City of Krizevci in sustainable and ecological way
What is new?:
From study finished in November 2020 (Multidimensional study) we can see that there is a great potential of using geothermal water, preferably used for direct heating. Also, there is a recommendation for injection well so the pressure within reservoir would not in time become too small.
Local results of the pilot action:
With the drilling of the injection well, the optimal pressure and water flow will remain constant. Also, possibility of releasing the geothermal water into the recipient (groundwater) can have an adverse impact and thus is not recommended.
Contribution of a sustainable development:
By using non-invasive magnetoteluric research, the environment around the borehole remain unharmed and protected.
The transnational added value:
Magnetoteluric research can be used in any country, regardless of the area where boreholes are (e.g. Natura2000 etc), because it has no impact on the environment and can give useful and accurate information and data.
More information about Croat Pilot Action:
Infographich about Croat Pilot Action
Short report and video of Regional ECO-SPA conference in Sveti Martin
Geophysics research – input into documentation on possibility of closing the loop of water flow and it's English summary
WPT1 tools adaptation to local and regional needs
Report on environmental impact assessment (testing of tool AT14)
