Impact of Construction and Functioning of a Newly Built Ski Slope on the Quality of Nearby Stream Water

The construction of new, artificially snowed, ski slopes and the accompanying infrastructure changes natural environment exerts pressure on ecosystems. This study examined impact operation a new slope, with its artificial snow production, quality nearby stream waters. research period covered time before, during after slope construction. Electrolytic conductivity (EC) pH were measured on-site, chemical analyses included determination Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, K+, HCO3−, SO42−, Cl−, NO3−, microbiological analysis comprised mesophilic psychrophilic bacteria, total fecal coliforms, E. coli. As result intensive environmental transformations, parameters varied significantly over period, as shown by coefficient variation. Due to land cover changes, concentrations all increased due ions bacteria leaching from soil. However, when works finished, bacterial some indicators returned state observed before construction, most probably recovery vegetation self-purification water. Supply melt water snow, produced containing higher ions, pH, EC, Mg2+ HCO3− in stream. Providing that development stations is unavoidable considered region, conducting studies assessing an important step should be conducted prior undertaking such investments.