Sažetak
Groundwater quality is one of the basic characteristics of groundwater on which its usability depends. It is usually considered from two aspects: hydrogeological and analytical-sanitary. From the hydrogeological aspect, it is primarily the natural quality of groundwater that is considered, while the degradation of groundwater is studied as an anthropogenic impact interesting in terms of pollution intensity and its spatial and temporal distribution. The analytical-sanitary aspect focuses primarily on identifying pollution which poses a threat to the quality of drinking water. The quality of groundwater in the karst changes mostly in relation with hydrological conditions. At times of stable hydrological conditions, groundwater in the karst is mostly of excellent quality. On the other hand, at rainy periods there is increased input of pollutants. The dependence of the quality of groundwater in the karst on external conditions makes it hard to predict the behaviour of springs and to protect them even harder.
Ključne riječi
groundwater quality ; karst ; Istria ; Croatia