Pitești water quality affected by manganese and low oxygen

Authorities in Pitești, Romania, are addressing a water quality crisis caused by changes in the raw water from Budeasa Lake. The issue involves increased manganese levels and decreased dissolved oxygen, which has altered the color and characteristics of the tap water.

Subprefect Dragoș Predescu attributed the situation to natural phenomena, specifically drought and high temperatures, which led to reduced water inflow and stagnation in the lake. To remedy the situation, officials are implementing technical solutions, including controlled water discharges from Vâlcele Lake and Vidraru Lake to increase oxygen levels and reduce manganese concentrations.

Apă Canal 2000 SA is conducting continuous monitoring, testing water samples every three hours. While raw water manganese levels reached up to 516 µg/l, the company reported reducing these levels to approximately 59.7 µg/l at the treatment plant exit, nearing the 50 µg/l limit for potable water. The Argeș Public Health Directorate is also analyzing samples collected from various points in the city.