Ground water fed system restoration on the area of Przemkowsko-Przecławskie Wetlands

Abstract

Ground water fed system restoration on the area of Przemkowsko-Przeclawskie Wetlands. The aim of the paper is the estimation of hydrological conditions occurring on the area of Przemkowsko-Przeclawskie Wetlands in the proposed water management scenarios, which are implemented to restore natural values of the wetland environment. In each of the scenarios, the operation parameters of hydraulic structures were changed, causing the potential increase of ground water alimentation to the wetland area. Common and recognized ground water fl ow model MODFLOW was used to calculate ground water levels for each scenario and to study the long-term effect of restoration measures on Przemkowsko-Przeclawskie Wetlands. Following hydrological characteristics were analysed: mean of the mean ground water levels, inundation frequency, mean ground water amplitude and mean low ground water levels. These characteristics were modeled for the long-term period 1964–1985 for unsteady fl ow conditions and were compared with the values adopted from intact, reference wetlands. It was proved, that slowing down the outfl ow of ground water (scenario 1) didn’t provide hydrological conditions desired for the maintenance of swampy habitats. The combination of outfl ow slow down and restriction of ground water abstraction by existing pumping stations (scenario 2) didn’t guarantee the maintenance of desired values of hydrological characteristics for a swampy habitat as well. The realization of the proposed scenarios enables to keep proper conditions for wet and moist habitats. The management policy for Przemkowsko-Przeclawskie Wetlands should then be directed at the development of those habitats, providing broad realization of environmental protection goals.