The collective drinking water supply must be tested for potential hazards resulting from human activity or natural factors. Their detection is possible water intake risk analysis. In the article below, we explain what it involves and when it should be carried out. We also suggest which entities are worth cooperating with in this area.
Water intake risk analysis – what is it? What is its purpose?
This is a specialist analysis that forms the basis for establishing intermediate protection zones for the intake or for their abolition. Depending on the conditions and specifics of the intake itself, the purpose of the risk analysis may be different. In most cases, the aim is to:
- identify and assess potential sources of contamination that may pose a threat to the catchment as well as to end users,
- assess the state of the environment in the area of water inflow to the intake, as well as within it,
- assess the risks to public health associated with the use of water from the tested intake,
- re-analyze the condition of the intake after carrying out the recommended actions focused on eliminating the source of the problem and threat.
When is it necessary to conduct a water intake risk analysis? Who is responsible for it?
Every owner of an intake used for collective water supply is obliged to perform an intake risk analysis. Moreover, it must be submitted to the relevant voivode.. In the event of failure to fulfil this obligation, the voivode may call upon the owner of the intake to perform an analysis within 30 days from the date of receiving the call.
But that's not all. A water intake risk analysis must be carried out at least every 10 years. In the case of intakes that supply less than 1000 m3 of water per year, this period is 20 years.
The analysis may also be an element of hydrogeological documentation. It should also be addressed when there is a possibility of factors threatening the purity and quality of water from the intake.
Do water intakes used by farms or households also need to be tested? No, if they serve ordinary water uses, that is, when they do not constitute a source of collective supply.
Who should be commissioned to perform a water intake risk analysis? Who is worth cooperating with?
Due to the scope and purpose of the analyses discussed, experienced specialists with extensive knowledge and experience in water management should be responsible for their execution. Especially hydrogeology.
The best solution will be to cooperate with entities specializing in environmental consulting, which employ or cooperate with such specialists. Ordering a water intake risk analysis from such a company has many advantages. Among the key benefits, the following should be mentioned:
- a reliable analysis that allows you to assess the level of potential threat,
- substantive support consisting of, among others, a discussion of current regulations, indicating obligations to be fulfilled and explaining what the water intake risk analysis involves,
- a detailed report presenting the results of the study, as well as recommendations for actions worth taking,
- fast, efficient order fulfillment, in accordance with current needs and the specificity of the water intake itself.
Are you the owner of a water intake and need to perform a risk analysis? Contact specialists who have already conducted this type of research. This is the best way to, on the one hand, fulfill the obligations resulting from the currently applicable national and European regulations, and on the other hand, detect a potential threat to the health and life of the users of the intake.
