Title: Protection of transboundary aquifers of Međimurje County (Croatia): status and prospects

Authors: Staša Borović; Tamara Marković; Ozren Larva

Addresses: Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology Department, Croatian Geological Survey (CGS), Milana Sachsa 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia ' Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology Department, Croatian Geological Survey (CGS), Milana Sachsa 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia ' Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology Department, Croatian Geological Survey (CGS), Milana Sachsa 2, 10 000 Zagreb, Croatia

Abstract: Međimurje County abounds in both potable and geothermal water aquifers. Owing to its position in the northernmost part of Croatia, it borders Slovenia and Hungary and shares these resources with them. Transboundary character of shallow alluvial aquifer has been demonstrated, while for deeper geothermal aquifers it can be supposed on the basis of hydrochemical and geological setting, but should be verified by more thorough research. In order to protect the transboundary aquifers, it is necessary to establish a wide cooperation of the three states. Pollution is the greatest threat to the potable water aquifer. Deep geothermal aquifers could be depleted through overpumping in the lack of trilateral consensus. Potable water aquifer receives multiple protective measures, but the geothermal aquifers are not investigated enough and receive no formal protection.

Keywords: transboundary aquifers; potable water; geothermal water; geothermal gradient; Croatia; aquifer protection; Slovenia; Hungary; geothermal aquifers; government cooperation; water pollution; overpumping; trilateral consensus.

DOI: 10.1504/IJENVH.2015.073194

International Journal of Environment and Health, 2015 Vol.7 No.3, pp.197 - 214

Received: 24 Jul 2014
Accepted: 17 Feb 2015
Published online: 27 Nov 2015 *

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