Dear Sir or Madam,
Undoubtedly, people have the greatest influence on water. With each use, we leave temporary or permanent consequences in the water environment, so it is our duty to try to minimize them. The main theme of this year’s 24th Symposium will be the impact on water and advanced solutions. The symposium will be divided into four sections where renowned domestic and foreign experts will present their views, experiences and good practices.
We will get to know European guidelines for reducing human impacts on water which emphasize the importance of conservation and management of nature, and present innovative, nature-based solutions. We are aware that the protection of water resources and the proper preparation of drinking water are an important aspect in the public drinking water supply system and the basis for the safe supply of drinking water. We will learn about the impacts on water due to the use of plant protection products in agriculture and on urban areas, and present experiences and suggestions for improving the protection of water resources with drinking water safeguard zones.
The sewerage and the waste water treatment plant are directly connected, like a blood vessel and the heart. The efficient operation of the entire system depends heavily on the synchronous and proper functioning of each element in this system, from the sewerage network, pumping stations, containment basins, dischargers to the treatment plants, internal returns and the reception of slurry and sludge. Effects on the operation of each element will be identified and the methods of controlling synchronous operation will be presented as the best possible protection of water resources.
Several decades ago, K. R. Imhoff stated: “The sludge is our biggest problem.” Regarding the amount of waste water treated, raw sludge can represent merely 1%, but it accounts for causing 30% of costs and 90% of all headaches. “What is the situation today in the European and Slovenian areas?” To address this question, we will review all the key steps in the formation of sludge, how to reduce its quantity, the possibility of final disposal and re-use in agriculture. We have already indicated some of the effects, and we will identify together, in the discussion, the solutions that will help us with our everyday work. Only together will we effectively protect Slovenian water, so we kindly invite you to join us in Portorož.
Slovenian Association for Water Protection
Dr. Marjetka Levstek
President