Thermal waters in Austria
The "Thermal Water Map of Austria" depicts the qualitative characteristics as well as the quantitative status of thermal waters, which are a special form of deep groundwater.
The Water Directorate-General commissioned the Federal Geological Survey of Austria to draw up a standardised nationwide thermal water map (1:500,000) and to describe the geological, hydrogeological and hydro chemical properties as well as the quantitative characteristics. In addition to the maps already published by the Geological Survey of Austria on "Austria's Hydrogeology", "Austria's Drinkable Deep Groundwater" and "Radionuclides in Groundwater, Rocks and Stream Sediments in Austria", this map covers another important chapter of our nationwide groundwater resources and their characteristics.
Thermal waters are a special form of deep groundwater and occur at depths of up to several thousand metres, especially in large extra-Alpine basins. However, they can also reach the earth's surface heated via geological-tectonic fissure systems within an alpine mountain range. The beneficial and healing effects of thermal waters have been utilised for thousands of years and at the same time, they are becoming increasingly important as a clean, sustainable geothermal energy resource. As a result, the overall utilisation of thermal waters has developed into an important economic sector, at least regionally in many cases. However, it is also known that these thermal water resources are not inexhaustible and need to be used carefully to ensure that this natural health and energy resource is also available in sufficient quantities for future generations. The legal framework for this has long been in place at both national and European levels and is also being implemented in the spirit of sustainable management.
For the first time, the relevant thermal water resources in the geological-tectonic mountain units of Austria are described comprehensively in terms of both quality and quantity and their genetic origin is discussed. This work is intended not only to provide a comprehensive overview for experts interested in the subject, but also, above all, to inform interested members of the public and schools about our valuable natural resources in a comprehensible way.