Operational Strategies and Adaptation of RBF Well Construction to Cope with Climate Change Effects at Budapest, Hungary

Zsuzsanna Nagy-Kovács,Elek Simon,Ernő Fleit,Balázs László

doi:10.3390/w10121751

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to give an overview on the Hungarian experience of river bank filtration (RBF) systems. The study addresses the conflict, which arises between the stochastic character of river water quantity and quality, and the required standard of drinking-water supply. Trends in water levels, flow, and water quality are discussed, along with technical measures and operational rules that were developed for implementation of RBF systems. This paper also provides an overview of the average lifespan of the wells and operational strategies. The emerging reconstruction and reconditioning needs are highlighted, and existing alternatives are presented. Large-scale infrastructural elements, such as the Danube-based RBF systems, have to be adapted to a changing environment. The increasing frequency of floods and droughts stresses the need to implement climate-adapted RBF systems and related operational strategies. Operational strategies which were developed by the Budapest Waterworks to deal with extreme hydrological scenarios are presented.

Highlights

The impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle poses a serious challenge to the water industry and society as a whole [1]
Many existing river bank filtration (RBF) systems can only be operated within a certain range of river-water level [2]
RBF-based water supply systems are exposed to stochastic processes affected by climatic change [4]

Summary

Introduction

The impact of climate change on the hydrological cycle poses a serious challenge to the water industry and society as a whole [1]. Basin flooding and low-water periods of the Danube river are major stress factors for river bank filtration (RBF) systems. Many existing RBF systems can only be operated within a certain range of river-water level [2]. The past century has seen increasing low-water periods for the Danube, whereby the mean water level has reduced by more than 1 meter. Regional interferences (construction of reservoirs in the upstream section) and global/regional climate change (increase of annual water temperatures and critically low water levels) require the development of novel well scheme operation methods [3]. RBF-based water supply systems are exposed to stochastic processes affected by climatic change [4]. Well proved type proved to be suitable for the installed around around the thethe This This well type to be suitable for the utilization utilization shallowFinally, aquifers. Asthe the population populationofofthe thecapital capitalgrew grewand andthe therelative relativewater waterconsumption consumptionincreased, increased,drilled drilledwells wellswere were installed the middle middleofof 20th century.

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Discussion

Conclusion