Description
With the growing pollution of water and decreasing amount of drinking water, the need for promoting responsible, sound and sustainable management of water is becoming more and more urgent. The project aims to raise awareness of the Czech population on the complexity of water-related problems and promote sustainable consumer behaviour. This will be achieved by providing practical information on water-friendly everyday life (using printed guides, online tools and consultation service), working with schools, organizing events such as "Festival of water" as well as ensuring accessibility of accurate data on pollution of water in the Czech republic (especially about waste related to consumer behaviour). The target groups include citizens of larger cities on rivers; students, pupils and pedagogues; general public; CSOs; fishermen and academic institutions.
Summary of project results
People often forget that not only industry, but also households can cause water pollution. The project makes these consequences clear and explains them to the public. We informed Czech public on water protection from toxic chemicals, identified possible sources of pollution and suggested legislative changes. The core of the project was a competition for young people. A record number of schools participated, 498 pupils and teachers in total, and water protection became part of lives of the competitors for six months. This way information was disseminated among their peers and families. We sampled and analyzed large rivers in 5 big urban areas. Two spots potentially contaminated by improper waste treatment were sampled and analyzed just as one similar facility where we collected samples earlier. Data on all 8 localities proved that old contaminated sites still have effect on the quality of Czech water. Results helped us to highlight current industrial pollution sources. Three covered results of analysis focusing on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including some rarely targetted ones. During the implementation phase high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls were identified in Elbe river. Although we didn’t plan to address these chemicals we did so. It was important for bringing evidence to the journalists and institutions as well as for bringing attention to our study. A study covering long-term analysis in the proximity of waste treatment facility in Hurka u Temelina opened a discussion on the effectiveness of its integrated permit for preventing POPs pollution. We also prepared an analysis using data from the Czech PRTR (Pollutant Release and Transfer Register) focused on water pollution by toxic chemicals. The study is unique because it closely examines the relationship between particular toxic chemicals and industrial burden of rivers. As well it highlights that some chemicals are not included in PRTR at all and includes suggestions for enhanced protection of water and aquatic ecosystems.
Summary of bilateral results