Risk assessment for chemical spills in the River Rhine

Abstract

Drinking water production based on riverbank filtration has a long tradition along the River Rhine. The river water quality plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe supply of drinking water. Despite the successful restoration of the Rhine, the risk of future chemical spills still remains. A prediction of the contaminant breakthrough at the reach of the river used for riverbank filtration can be performed using a computer model. This knowledge enables the waterworks to prevent the infiltration of polluted river water into the aquifer using an adapted approach to well management. Nevertheless, preventing water pollution must remain the goal of the environmental authorities and local industry. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2011.