ABSTRACT

Slovakia has always been known for its curative mineral water springs. In number and quality of mineral springs it is among the richest countries in the world. The use of geothermal waters in Slovakia is historically associated primarily with the implementation of the spa facilities. The source of geothermal energy in the Slovak Republic is mostly geothermal water, which was tapped during the geothermal research by prospection or exploratory geothermal wells. In line with the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and following EU guidelines for classifying groundwater bodies, with regard to long-term information database in the assessment of groundwater in Slovakia and national specifics, three independent levels of groundwater bodies were identified: Quaternary groundwater bodies, pre-Quaternary groundwater bodies and geothermal groundwater bodies. Geothermal water flow regime is determined by the fold-nappe tectonics of Mesozoic strata, and by presence of nappes plunging from the mountain slopes to greater depths.