In the high mountains, water is stored in the from of snow and ice, providing 90 % of the water supply for lower-lying areas. In the area of Triglav National Park, there are more than 250 water springs, which are the only source of drinking water for some huts that may face shortages during the summer months. The increasing number of visitors to the mountains and mountain huts puts a greater strain on the environmental in terms of wastewater generated in the huts. Due to improper handling of wastewater, it often ends up untreated in the environment, where it poses a source of pollution for water resources. Agricultural activities, such as livestock grazing on mountain pastures, can also be a source of fecal contmination of water. Purpose: The purpose of this master’s thesis is to determine the microbiological suitabitity of water from high mountain springs in the Bohinj mountains during the hiking and grazing season. Methods: Sampling was conducted before the start of the hiking and grazing season, during the season, and after its conclusion. We established eight sampling locations. From June to October, a total of 22 samples were collected. At each spring, field measurements were performed, followed by sample collection for microbiological analysis. In the laboratory, we analyzed the microbiological quality of the water. Using the membrane filtration method and decimal dilution, we determined the presence of enterococci, E. coli, and heterotrophic plate count (HPC) at 22 °C and 36 °C. Results: The results of microbiological analyses of high mountain springs were compared with the requirements of the Drinking Water Regulation. The samples taken in June were complaint with the Drinking Water Regulation in terms of the presence of total coliform bacteria, but the analyses showed that enterococci were present in all the samples except the soring near the hut in the Voje Valley. Microbiological analyses of samples taken in August showed non-compliance in seven out of the eight samples taken. The microbiological analyses of the sampling in October also showed non-compliance for all samples as enterococci were present in all of them. The E. coli bacteria were not present in any of the samples. Discussion and conclusion: Based on the conducted research, we found that the water samples from high mountain springs do not comply with the Drinking Water Regulation. There were differences in the microbiological quality of the water between the springs, which were influenced by the proximity of pastures and mountain huts, as well as the higher number of visitors of the mountains.
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