During the meeting results of water quality monitoring in the Sulejów Reservoir carried out from May to September 2015 were presented. It was emphasized in the summary that the year 2015 was extremely difficult to carry out research due to the drought and high temperatures (the highest recorded water temperature in the Reservoir was 28°C) which caused very intense algal blooms.
Maps of spatial distribution of pollution and blooms of water in the entire area of the Reservoir were also presented.
Due to a large number of acquired data that required further analyses, the discussion was focused on the parameters critical for the Reservoir, i.e. chlorophyll concentration, biogenic compounds, temperature, etc. Researchers presenting results of the project agreed on the fact that the Reservoir is characterized by very high dynamics of changes in all tested parameters. The process of data analysis and development that is still in progress will allow us in the near future to put forward more precise conclusions, which in its final shape will lead also to a more accurate specification of the mathematical model of the Reservoir.
The most important results of the project were considered the formation and calibration of the system monitoring basic physicochemical parameters of the Reservoir based on 3 elements:
- Mobile monitoring made from the decks of boats sailing on the Reservoir;
- Buoys equipped with specialized equipment;
- Laboratory measurement system.
Polish researchers stressed the enormous support and commitment of Norwegian colleagues, in particular in the complex process of GEMSS model calibration as well as preparing, equipping and servicing the Norwegian measuring buoy.
Animations showing suggestively the dynamics of phenomena and tested water parameters in the Sulejów Reservoir were prepared with the use of the GIS model.
Based on the use of all these tools it was easier to propose a ‘diagnosis’ and possible scenarios for improvement of the Reservoir state. Due to the modernization of the majority of local sewage treatment plants, attention has been focused on reducing uncontrolled emissions into watercourses in the catchment of the Reservoir (where undesirable substances exceed even 10 times the allowable concentrations). Modernization of sanitary infrastructure and eradication of leaking cesspools was postulated.
Norwegian partners presented examples of good practices related to financing domestic sewage treatment plants by municipalities. Such plants effectively reduce the amount of domestic sewage.
Dr. Magdalena Kempa of NIVA also presented a negative impact of marinas during the sailing season – emptying septic tanks from boats and sailboats increases the concentration of coliform bacteria and dangerous pathogens.
The MONSUL project team stressed that the development of a calibrated, accurate mathematical model of the reservoir can become an effective tool for the rational management of water resources. With the help of such tools one can predict the effects of e.g. formation of a sanitary zone around the tank, reduction of surface runoff and the load of biogenic compounds in the tributaries, etc.
This model can be used by specialized institutions and local governments to make optimal decisions to improve ecological potential of the tested reservoir, as well as to localize investment or recreation sites.
The developed methodology can be used to build similar models for supporting decision-making process in the management of other water resources.
At the end, project leader, Prof. Dr. Ireneusz Zbiciński thanked everyone involved in the project and encouraged to further work, studies and efforts to improve the quality of water in the Sulejów Reservoir.

Coverage by CMPŁ  from Monsul Conference on 26.04.2016 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VluU4s3vMos