The Mediterranean freshwater resources, mostly represented by groundwater, are under increasing pressure due to natural and anthropogenic factors. In this study, we investigated possible negative effects of climate change and land-use practices on water quality and availability from five springs in the karstic catchments in southern Croatia. The investigated springs are used in the regional public water supply system. Firstly, we employed hydrogeochemical field and laboratory analyses to detect possible traces of anthropogenic activity originating from specific land use. Additionally, we performed hydrological and climate modeling to detect changes in the air temperature, precipitation, and runoff. In particular, we used three regional climate models (Aladin, RegCM3, and Promes). The results estimated an increase in the mean annual air temperature, changes in the precipitation patterns, and reductions in runoff in the study area. Hydrochemical analyses showed standard ion concentrations for karst groundwaters, elevated sulfates due to evaporite deposits in the hinterland, surprisingly low nitrate levels which disproved expected agricultural pollution, and high microbiological activity. Significant water losses are expected in the near future which require immediate attention in order to develop adaptation strategies that focus on sustainable utilization and resilience of freshwater resources. This paper was based on the Interreg Central Europe PROLINE-CE project research in the South Dalmatia.

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This paper presents a qualitative approach for assessing land-use pressures on the water resources of a transboundary Dinaric karst catchment of the Kupa River in Southeast Europe. Spatial analyses of the water quality indices for surface water and groundwater were carried out in a GIS environment, as well as a detailed assessment of man-made hazards based on recommendations of COST Action 620. The produced maps provide an insight into the qualitative status of water resources at a regional scale by indicating areas of potential negative impacts of land use through the identification of point and diffuse sources of pollution. Higher values of the water quality indices for surface water and groundwater are observed in lowland areas, karst plateaus and poljes, where the impacts of anthropogenic activities such as agriculture and quarries take place on karstified permeable carbonate rocks. Hazard assessment showed how transport infrastructure induces a low hazard level. Settlement areas without proper sewerage systems impose moderate hazard levels, while direct wastewater discharges into groundwater and waste illegally disposed in karst swallow holes and caves located near settlements were classified as having high hazard levels. The applied methods proved to be suitable even in challenging karst environments where the complex properties and structure make the exploration and monitoring of groundwater resources difficult and scarce.

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