The need to preserve and protect dug wells as a reservoir for drinking water

Abstract

Dug wells, now classified as so-called private waterintakes, for centuries were an integral part of the Polish landscape and were used as the primary source of drinking water. These sources of drinking water are, however, specific. They are very susceptible to pollution related to agricultural and industrial activities. Consequently, every dug well requires constant supervision. But paradoxically, they are not currently under the control of the State Sanitary Inspection. Meanwhile, the importance of dug wells in the modern world, full of various threats, unexpectedly is growing. They are the source of drinking water, which is independent of possible crises, failures and intentional contamination of the collective water supply system. That's why, dug wells can be regarded as inherited reservoir of drinking water, which should not only be subject to regular and meticulous control, but also attentive care of state institutions.