Volumetric Quantification and Quality of Water Stored in a Mining Lake: A Case Study at Reocín Mine (Spain)

This study deals with the potential use of water stored in a lake formed by Reocín’s old zinc mine, which has become second most important reservoir Cantabria, flow 1300 L s−1. The methodology used is based on hydrogeological and hydrochemical characterization area studied. A total 16 piezometers were installed to monitor amount quality water. Results obtained show pH close 8 iron, manganese, zinc, sulphate concentrations lower than 0.05 mg L−1, 1.063 1305.5 respectively. volume amounts 34 hm3. Measurements that Fe, Mn, Zn are below limits acceptable for human consumption, according Spanish 0.2, 0.05, 5.0 L−1 standards, respectively, while greatly exceeds 250 limit accepted norm. Therefore, could be apt consumption after treatment appropriate decreasing level by, example, reverse osmosis, distillation, or ion exchange. Although industrial energy uses possible, utilized as geothermal source. management hydric resources generated when mine closed improve economic environmental conditions zone, all benefits it brings about, thus allowing compensating pumping cost protection entails, creating, at same time, new business opportunity company owns mine.