Qualitative and Quantitative Assesment of Hungarian Operating and Perspective Bank Filtration Water Sources

Abstract

More than 30% of Hungarian drinking water production is derived from bank filtration wells and the most important long-term drinking water sources have been designated on sand-gravel fluvial terraces. Bank-filtrated water production is one of the most effective and economical method, with many benefits compared to other water treatments. In case of the bank filtrated water resources the mechanical, biological and physical-chemical processes in the filtration layer run in natural way, thus saving significant operational costs. In this article, the author points out the still unknown areas of the bank filtration processes and the fact that the monitoring of quantitative and qualitative indicators of our water resources that have been classified as vulnerable and partially protected in the last two decades are important since our water supply’s significant pillar. In addition to evaluating bank-filtered water resources, the author highlights the shortcomings of water source protection and draws attention to new, present-day risk factors.