Analysis of current trends in water runoff of the Sluch River in terms of extraterritorial impacts of hydrotechnical construction

Abstract The aim of the conducted research was to uncover current trends in the variability of the Sluch River’s flow in the context of potential depletion of its water resources due to climate change and anthropogenic activity in its catchment area. The research methodology relied on the analysis of time series data from hydrological observations of average annual, maximum, and minimum water flows. Modern trends in the variability of the river flow were determined using data collected from three operational hydrological posts located at different sections of its course: “Hromada” in the upper part of the river basin, “Zviahel” within the middle course, and “Sarny” in the lower course. The total monitoring period for establishing modern trends in the variability of the river flow spanned 27 years, from 1989 to 2015. The research revealed that the minimum flow of the river underwent the most significant negative changes in the context of water resource depletion during this period. This finding was particularly evident at the Zviahel hydrological station.