Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.17559/TV-20170809140304

Analysis of Climate Change Impact on Water Supply in Northern Istria (Croatia)

Barbara Karleuša orcid.org/0000-0002-8102-6442 ; Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 3, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Josip Rubinić ; Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 3, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Maja Radišić orcid.org/0000-0003-1384-8417 ; Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 3, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
Nino Krvavica orcid.org/0000-0001-5014-5476 ; Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Rijeka, Radmile Matejčić 3, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

Abstract

This paper analyses impacts of climate change and anthropogenic pressure on groundwater resources in the Mirna river catchment used for water supply in Northern Istria (Croatia) up to 2050. Using Regional Climate Models simulations and hydrologic model, the future average annual and the characteristic (in critical period) water resource availabilities were calculated. Current and five future water demand scenarios were analysed. Water Exploitation Index (WEI) and modified Characteristic Water Exploitation Index (CWEI) were calculated. In 2050, the analysed springs will be subject to climate change consequences, with more extreme changes and intense variations. The WEI for average conditions indicates little risk of unmet future water demand. Considering seasonal variability, the future CWEIs indicates strong risk for most future water demand scenarios and overexploitation for water demand increases over 20%. The 2012 drought, more extreme than any considered future scenario, was also examined.

Keywords

climate change; drinking water supply; water resources availability

Hrčak ID:

205932

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/205932

Publication date:

22.9.2018.

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