Application of Hydrochemical Parameters as Tool for Sustainable Management of Water Supply Network

Effective management of Water Supply Systems (WSSs) is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water. The WSS of Varaždin County is a complex network involving three groundwater sources: Bartolovec and Vinokovščak wellfields (alluvial aquifers) and Bela karstic spring. To achieve a comprehensive characterization of WSSs, routine laboratory data was integrated with stable isotopes and geochemical modeling. Within this study, all measured parameters remain below the Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL), ensuring water safety for human consumption. The Piper diagram identified variations in water sources based on their chemical composition, providing a simplified overview of mixing patterns within WSSs. Among the modeling approaches, inverse modeling (IM) was found to be more reliable than forward modeling (FM) and mass balance modeling (MB). Despite the limited capacity of δ18O to provide accurate mixing results, it was revealed that the reservoir water was in equilibrium with the air (no evaporation effects), indicating well-sealed reservoirs. Mixing modeling showed that the western, southwestern, and northern parts of the WSS mixed all three sources, whereas the eastern and southeastern areas primarily relied on the deeper aquifer of the Bartolovec source, indicating potential vulnerability. Strict validation criteria ensured the reliability of results, demonstrating the effectiveness and applicability of geochemical modeling in water security management plans.