Modern groundwater management: measures undertaken at the source - pilot project nitrate reduction in Klettgau SH

摘要

Nitrogen loss of soils into groundwater bodies is a common threat to drinking water resources in areas of high agricultural activities. Here we present a case study from the northern part of Switzerland, where a series of soil cultivation measures were applied in order to remediate one specific groundwater well. The water of this well could no longer be used due to elevated nitrate concentrations. The impact of the project on nitrate concentration in the well was predicted by a series of groundwater model simulations. Continuing monitoring both of groundwater quality and of soil layers by suction lysimeters allowed continual improvement and control of the success of the measures. After four years, the water from the well can again be used as drinking water. The observed gradient of nitrogen decrease in the groundwater can now be used to refine the groundwater models.