Good surface and groundwater quality means sustainable development of plants, animals, and reliable drinking water. To guarantee this quality, a policy has been formulated in the Water Framework Directive which must be observed by all EU Member States.
Due to the integration of various European water quality directives, the European countries are on the same page in terms of water-related issues, and cross-border water problems are tackled jointly. Jean Hacking, Project Manager Groundwater Monitoring within the Nature and Water cluster of the provincial government of Limburg (The Netherlands), explains how he and his colleagues implement these guidelines at provincial level.
Groundwater samples, taken by using the MP 1 submersible pump
‘Under the Water Framework Directive, we are legally obliged to guarantee the quality of groundwater. We have therefore set up a groundwater quality monitoring network consisting of some 70 to 80 locations throughout Limburg. Samples are taken annually at these locations and on the advice of Royal Eijkelkamp, we use MP 1 submersible pumps. These submersible pumps are ideal for pumping and sampling monitoring wells with a diameter of 55 mm or more.’
In addition to the groundwater quality monitoring network, we also use the MP 1 pumps for the mine water monitoring network.
‘The pump motor of the MP 1 is controlled by a special adjustable frequency converter. Since the frequency is continuously adjustable, the capacity of the MP1 pump can be controlled from 0 to 2 m3/hour, which allows water to be pumped through the monitoring well quickly. A lower frequency is set for the sampling of the monitoring wells.’
‘In addition to the groundwater quality monitoring network, we also use the MP 1 pumps for the mine water monitoring network. After the closure of the mines in South Limburg (late 1960s, early 1970s), the pumping systems that kept the mines dry were stopped. Since then, the mine water has continued to rise,’ says Jean.
'The Ministry of Economic Affairs has therefore instructed the Province of Limburg to conduct more extensive research into the extent of the increase and quality of this mine water. For these reasons, seven new wells are being drilled. These wells are each fitted with three filters with a filter depth varying from approximately 40 to approximately 400 m below ground level. The hydraulic head of the groundwater is measured, and all filters are sampled. After the first year, the measurement and sampling regime for the coming years will be evaluated and coordinated.’
‘There are many advantages to working with the MP 1 pumps:
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