Neobiota and especially neozoa can pose a potential threat to drinking water supplies, not only to drinking water quality, but also to the water supply assets like extraction pipes and treatment technology.
In the waters of Europe, there has been an increased occurrence of novel animal and plant species (neobiota) in recent decades. These can cause lasting changes to ecosystems and also lead to problems in water supply systems. Neobiota, and invasive neozoa in particular, can thus pose a potential threat to drinking water supplies, not only to quality, but also to the operation of the conveyance system and treatment stages. A recent example is the spread of the quagga mussel in surface waters such as Lake Constance. In order to proactively address this threat, information is needed on the current status and on possible future developments. These must be assessed in terms of their impact on drinking water supplies. Finally, suitable countermeasures must be identified and tested for their feasibility.
Against this background, the Neobiota project aims to conduct a scientific study to identify and assess potential future threats posed by the occurrence of new or previously alien species (neobiota, invasive species). The aim is to compile the current state of knowledge regarding the occurrence of neobiota in water bodies (especially surface waters, but also groundwater), as well as their impact on drinking water supplies. Based on this, possible recommendations for action for the affected water supply companies are to be derived. The project and its results should support and promote the creation of a water information on this topic in PK 1-3-17 "Neobiota".
