State and problems of using alluvial groundwater in Great Morava Valley

An aquifer formed in alluvial sediments of the river Great Morava, spreading across over 1,000 km², represents one of the most important resources for supplying settlements with drinking water. In this area, numerous settlements were built and the agricultural production is present. The first aquifer was formed in gravel-sandy sediments, 20 m thick, of large permeability and it is naturally protected with clay-dusty roof, with thickness of about 5 m. The biggest problem is registered presence of nitrates in groundwater, above the valid MPL values for drinking water that is 50 mgNO₃/l. Monitoring the state and problems of separate water sources, formed in this area, showed the considerable larger influence of settlements without sewage systems than existing agricultural production. Analysis showed that nitrates input by groundwater into the River Danube and the Black Sea is negligible. Considering the anthropogenic impacts in the wider surrounding of the water source, we came to conclusions that can be used for further planning the use of this and similar groundwater resources.