Water intake efficiency analysis in risk management of water supply systems - a case study of Głubczyce Collective Water Supply System, Poland

In recent years, the onset of the summer season has inevitably been associated with external threats, such as hydrological drought. Prolonged dry weather conditions result in natural drought symptoms, including a decrease in both surface and groundwater levels, increased water evaporation, and the degradation of essential environmental, economic, and social functions. A negative water balance presents a challenge that, due to water scarcity, is likely to pose a threat not only to the continuity of safe drinking water supply but also to the health and lives of people. In these circumstances, the new directive on the quality of water intended for human consumption imposes on EU Member States the obligation to implement a risk management system throughout the entire water supply chain, from the water abstraction area to the consumer’s tap. The paper presents tools and mechanisms employed in risk management for water supply systems and discusses their applicability within the framework of multi-protective barriers. Additionally, it delves into the construction of water supply infrastructure in the city of Głubczyce, located in the southwestern part of Poland. This discussion encompasses research results on the possibilities for diversifying and ensuring the safety of water supplies, with a particular emphasis on the operational reliability of critical infrastructure. The analysis is based on the Shannon-Weaver index and the Pielou dispersion index. The results of this analysis assess the potential for crisis situations in risk management. Taking into account the protection of critical infrastructure to ensure continuous water supplies under appropriate pressure for residents, the need to provide alternative water sources, such as tanks or packaged water, is demonstrated.