CONDITIONS OF MEDICINAL WATER SUPPLY IN THE WIELICZKA SALT MINE

Abstract

Based on long–term research, the current hydrogeological conditions in the vicinity of the Wieliczka Salt Mine show a ­complex nature of documented water that is diverse in terms of salinity and age. Over time, there was an exchange of waters from those of the sedimentation period to infiltration waters. Brine used for balneotherapy in the spa of the Salt Mine Wieliczka is captured at two outflows: WVI-32 at level VI, and WVII-16 at level VII of the mine. Long–term measurements of water flow confirm the stable nature of the outflows with a mild descending trend. NaCl content in the WVI-32 leak has a clear increasing trend, while the ­WVII-16 leak did not show any significant trend, which reflects a diversification of supply areas and inflow routes to the outflow areas in the mine. The isotopic composition of water from the WVI-32 leak is variable and did not allow for an unambiguous interpretation of the results, and creates need for further research. The WVII-16 leak represents the Pleistocene water without a direct contact with the contemporary waters, however, after more than 25 years, addition of such waters may appear.