Key Facts About Water Resources in Slovakia

Abstract

Surface water and groundwater resources of Slovakia are rich enough to ensure current and prospective water needs. Surface water resources are bound to two different European river basins. The Danube River Basin covers 96% of the Slovak territory; Danube River flows towards the Black Sea. The Poprad and Dunajec River Basins cover 4% of the territory; both streams are tributaries of the Vistula River flowing towards the Baltic Sea. Surface water inflow into Slovakia through the Danube River amounts about 2,514 m³ s⁻¹, representing 86% of the total surface water fund. The rest is amounting to app. 398 m³ s⁻¹ rise in the Slovak territory, with the primary source in the precipitation. Natural groundwater amounts of Slovakia were estimated on 147 m³ s⁻¹. Quaternary fluvial sediments and carbonate rocks (limestones and dolomites) create the most important groundwater aquifers. Usable groundwater amounts were estimated on 80 m³ s⁻¹.