Sources of threats to the purity of surface waters in the area of the Słońsk commune

Authors:

• Zbigniew Ziętkowiak

Abstract

The Słonsk commune is located on the left bank of the Warta river just before the place where it falls into the Oder river. The present condition of the waters, as well as the changes in their purity in the years 1989-1996 were assessed on the basis of archival records. A certain improvement in the physical and chemical indicators was noted in this period. However, the sanitary condition of the waters has not taken a turn for the better. The source of threats to the purity of the surface water in the area of the commune is the pollution brought in by the rivers: Postomia, Warta and Ra̧cza Struga as well as pollution generated locally, that is municipal, industrial and agricultural sewage. Due to the lack of a sewage treatment plant, which is the main problem here, almost 90% of the untreated sewage flows directly into the surface waters. The commune suffers also from the lack of established, authorised dumping grounds. A clear improvement in the surface waters' condition can be expected not earlier than after the year 2,000, upon the completion of the sewage treatment plant for Slońsk-Przyborów. Further progress will depend upon the construction of subsequent sewage treatment plants, the date of making the municipal dumping ground ready for use, and upon the improvement of indicators of the waters flowing into the area of the commune.