Intensity of surface water resources exploitation

Renewable water resources are defined as the sum of rainfalls (after deducting the volumes of water consumed by evapotranspiration), volumes of water that springs up in Slovakia, and the volumes of water that enter the country via watercourses from the neighbouring countries.  From the green growth perspective it is necessary to ensure the most effective possible exploitation of water resource that are important not only for the country's economic activities, but also for the quality of public life and health.
Over the monitored period we recorded the greatest degree of surface water exploitation in 2003 (1.71 %) that continued to fluctuate until 2018. Water sources in Slovakia, from the perspective of hydrological balance, have been secured , which is the result of factors including sufficient rainfalls and low evapotranspiration in mountainous areas. On the other hand, evapotranspiration has been a significant factor in the southern regions of Slovakia that show a relatively high rate of evaporation and significantly lower rainfall totals. Extreme situations (e.g. droughts, flooding rains) have not yet significantly impacted our usable water resources, and the country is able to regulate these sources during favourable periods.       
Biggest demand on water is typically recorded in densely populated areas. It is a frequent phenomenon that further supporting local sources, water transfers between watersheds or water retention in reservoirs are needed to secure sustainable satisfaction of the current needs.