Sanitary protection zones (SPZ) are areas that are installed around water intakes and wells and are used to protect the environment from the negative impact of various sources of pollution.
The design of well SPZ is developed immediately after drilling and completion of the well, or after the geological and economic assessment of groundwater reserves of the water intake.
The development of projects for SPZ aims to ensure the control and safety of drinking water, groundwater, surface water, and adjacent areas from pollution.
The project development involves the identification of three belts of SPZ, in which appropriate water quality protection measures will be applied, in particular:
The first zone of the SPZ covers the territory of water intake facilities, water supply facilities and water supply canal and is a strict regime zone.
The second and third zones of the SPZ are restriction and observation zones, which include areas set aside to protect water sources from contamination.
Sanitary protection strips are used for the sanitary protection of water pipelines and water intake facilities located outside the second belt of the SPZ.
In each of the three designated SPZ, appropriate measures should be taken to ensure water quality and prevent water pollution.
The legal regime of the SPZ is regulated byResolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine №2024 "On the Legal Regime of Sanitary Protection Zones of Water Bodies" dated 18.12.1998 .
Boundaries of SPZ
Regarding to DBN V.2.5-74:2013 , the boundaries of the sanitary protection zones of water intakes on the territory of Ukraine are established as follows:
The first sanitary protection zone. This zone is defined taking into account hydrogeological conditions, the nature of the water supply source and natural and man-made objects that may affect water quality. This zone has a diameter of 50-200 meters and is established around the water intake itself.
The second sanitary protection zone. The boundaries of this zone are determined taking into account hydrogeological conditions, the nature of the water supply source and natural and man-made objects that may affect water quality. The second SPZ is established, respectively, outside the first one and has a larger diameter, ranging from 200-1000 meters.
The third sanitary protection zone. The boundaries of the last zone are also determined taking into account hydrogeological conditions, the nature of the water supply source and natural and man-made objects that may affect water quality. However, the latter is established outside the second zone and has the largest diameter - more than 1000 meters.
The boundaries of water bodies of the SPZ are established by regional councils in agreement with the central executive body that implements state policy in the field of water development.
Environmental protection measures
Environmental protection measures include:
Regulation of land use on the territory of the sanitary protection zone, which consists in limiting and prohibiting certain activities that may affect the quality of groundwater
Sanitary treatment of wastewater from domestic and industrial contaminants discharged into the sewer system present in the sanitary protection zone of the water intake.
Regulation of the use of pesticides and fertilizers that have a potential negative impact on soil and water quality.
Preventing timber harvesting in the sanitary protection zone and restricting mining.
Control over the state of the environment in the water intake sanitary protection zone, including monitoring of water and soil quality, monitoring of toxic substances emissions into the atmosphere, inspection of pollution facilities and their response to violations.
Regulation and control over development within the sanitary protection zone, restrictions on development of water intake areas, restrictions on development of water protection zones.
Frequently asked questions:
Who needs to develop a draft of the SPZ?
The development of an SPZ project is mandatory for all those who hold a special permit for subsoil use and can withdraw groundwater from water intakes. The SPZ project is not developed if the extracted water is used exclusively for the technological needs of the enterprise.
What does the standard process of the service look like?
You provide the initial documentation, after which our specialists go to the field inspection of the water intake. During the field inspection, preliminary boundaries of the sanitary protection zones are established, and a water intake inspection report is drawn up. Based on the field survey data, we develop a draft of the sanitary protection zones. If necessary, the project justifies the reduction of the boundaries of the sanitary protection zone of the first belt.
What information is required from the customer?
Before starting the work, you will need geological and hydrogeological information on your water intake, other documents, the list of which depends on the specific case. In the absence of documents, our specialists will offer you the best solution.
What will you get in the end?
After the work was completed, you will receive the developed Sanitary Protection Zone Project with the necessary approvals from the state authorities. At your request, we prepare the number of copies of the Draft that you need, as well as provide an electronic version.
Terms of the SPZ project development
Project development can take from three weeks to six months, excluding approvals. The development period is affected by the complexity of the facility, the number of wells located on it, and the content of the initial data that is required for the preparation of the document.
The specialists of Geological Investment Group will help you in developing a project of sanitary protection zones in compliance with all legal requirements and provide comprehensive support.
Our team consists of experienced geologists, environmentalists and lawyers who provide comprehensive support for subsoil use facilities. Reliability, professionalism and customer focus are the main criteria on which we build our relationships with clients.
