Emergency plan for water production plant „Mannsgrab“ (Bad Saulgau, Germany) – development of a framework in case of accidents involving water hazardous substances at the edge of Zone II

Abstract

Using the example of the drinking water wellfield Mannsgrab (Bad Saulgau, Germany) the development and establishment of an emergency plan according to DVGW note W 1001 is recommended to protect the drinking water wells from contaminants (e.g. traffic accidents). A protection well exists formally; however, there is neither a discharge feasibility in a river or canal nor does a water treatment plant exist. Hydrogeological investigations showed that fluids from traffic accidents can seep into the highly permeable gravel quickly up to the ground water surface. In worst cases contaminants needs less than two hours to reach the aquifer. An efficient emergency plan requires an immediate response of the fire brigade to avoid groundwater pollution.