This study investigates the impact of infrastructure deficiencies on quality of water resources in the Republic of Serbia and predicts its potential implications for potable water quality in the context of climate changes. Specifically, using a hydro-meteorological dataset and temporal demographics estimates for the period 1991-2014: (1) hydrology balance was calculated; (2) contribution of raw sewage to surface water flow rates was estimated; and (3) temperature and precipitation trends were examined. The negative annual balance of groundwater indicates decline in a national reserves which together with statistically significant trend of its cumulative withdrawals suggest that the potable water potentially will have to be provided from surface accumulations and rivers. Compared to other European countries, Republic of Serbia is at the bottom with wastewater treatment plants and quality of surface water is significantly affected by direct raw sewage discharge into the rivers. It is estimated that fraction of sewage contribution to the average flow exceeds 15% and reaches 60% during water-stressed years. Considering that effects of higher temperatures and increasing magnitudes in annual average precipitation changes are becoming more evident in the Republic of Serbia, it can be anticipated that water shortages will cause public health risks associated with polluted water sources unless infrastructure deficiencies are remediated.<br/>

Impacts of infrastructure deficiencies on potable water quality in the Republic of Serbia

254th National Meeting (2017)

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