Naslov
Water supply challenges of Croatian islands under the conditions of climate change and tourism growth
(Water supply challenges of Croatian islands under the conditions of climate change and tourism growth)

Autori
Grofelnik, Hrvoje ; Maradin, Mladen

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, prošireni sažetak, znanstveni

Izvornik
Book of Abstracts - Islands: Nature and Culture / Čuka, Anica ; Oroz, Tomislav ; Klarin, Tomislav - Zadar : Sveučilište u Zadru, 2022, 79-80

Skup
18th Islands of the World Conference

Mjesto i datum
Zadar, Hrvatska, 13.06.2022. - 17.06.2022

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
water supply ; climate change ; tourism ; islands

Sažetak
Proper water supply is an essential precondition for developing all regions. This is the case especially for islands since they are the areas with a distinct sensitivity that arises from their relative isolation, often limited water resources and requirements for water supply as a result of tourism seasonality and the impact of modern climate change. In addition, the demand for potable water on the islands increases with the development of higher value-added tourism services that include pool infrastructure, wellness facilities, and the like. Therefore, in the context of sustainable development and the sensitivity of island areas to environmental and social pressures, it is necessary to anticipate present and future processes that may affect an island’s water supply systems. This presentation aims to illustrate the adaptation and resilience possibilities for water supply systems on selected Croatian islands in the conditions of growing demands caused by tourism growth and climate change. The data from the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service, communal water supply companies of selected Croatian islands, the Croatian Bureau of Statistics, and local tourist boards were used in the study. Contemporary climatological research indicates increasing spring and summer temperatures on the Croatian coast. While a signal of spatial and seasonal changes in precipitation is unclear, the decrease in summer precipitation is significant. A continuation of these climate change trends will affect aquifers being recharged in the future, along with the quality of water in them, and may lead to an increased risk of the salinisation of coastal karst springs. Climate change impacts will be more pronounced on the islands and will likely affect the water supply systems. Since some of the Croatian islands are connected to water supply systems on the mainland, the research analysed the climatic features of the wider distribution area, not only on the islands. Furthermore, the data of communal water supply companies were analysed to gain insight into the ratio of resident and non- resident population water consumption and project the sustainability of future water supply sustainability, as peak loads of water supply systems coincide with dry, warm periods of the year. To analyse the condition and resilience of island water supply systems, four islands with different water supply types and climatic features were selected and presented as case studies for possible preventive actions to improve their water supply sustainability. It can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the sustainable water supply on some Croatian islands due to tourism growth and a projected decrease in precipitation during the warmer parts of the year. Islands whose water supply systems are connected to the mainland will be much more resistant to change, although they will also have to adapt to climate change. Islands that rely on water resources from their geographical area will be more sensitive to climate change, and the local community, especially the tourism sector, will have to adapt significantly to the new climatic conditions. Decreasing precipitation and unfavourable drought features indicate that the warmest parts of the year coincide with the maximum number of tourist visits. As such, water supply needs will cause the reconstruction of water supply systems to reduce water transport losses. Furthermore, the following measures will need to be applied: (1) increase water reserves during a part of the year when water resources are under less pressure, (2) reduction of general water consumption, (3) establish new water sources for the islands, (4) reactivate traditional methods of rainwater collection and (5) separate the potable water system from technical water systems.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Geografija

POVEZANOST RADA