Well water quality in Latvia

A total of 2500 water samples from drinking water shallow wells and boreholes in rural areas of Latvia were collected. The samples were analyzed for 20 parameters. Well waters in Latvia can be characterized by a high content of organic (humic) substances. Mean values for analyzed water parameters are: 0.17 mg/1 NH4, 0.016 mg/1 NO2, 2.90 mg/1 NO3, 0.028 mg/1 PO4, 25.53 mg/1 Cl, 0.12 mg/1 Fe, 7.4 pH, 784 μ/cm conductivity, 24 degrees in PtCo scale color, 7.5 mgequiv/1 total hardness. Comparison with water quality criteria adopted in the USA and European Communiy indicate that water quality is often unsatisfactory. For example, nitrate concentrations exceed standards in nearly 20% of the surveyed wells. The main problems of drinking water quality in Latvia are associated with increased concentrations of nitrogen and organic matter, and increased mineralisation. Concentrations of most water substances are dependent on local factors, and some vary substantially between different regions of Latvia. However, concentrations of heavy metals were excessive in less than 1% of wells, indicating a minimal impact of regional industrial and transboundary pollution on well water quality in Latvia. Water users, Latvian authorities and society have been informed about the obtained results, their assessment and proposed solutions

Heavy metals · Nitrate · Organic matter · Water quality · Chemistry · Environmental Chemistry · Environmental Engineering · Environmental Science · Environmental Science and Water Management · Groundwater and Isotope Geochemistry · Pollution · Water Quality and Pollution Assessment