Hydrogeological Characteristics of Montenegro

Carbonate rocks (limestone and dolomite) cover over 60% of Montenegro. The high permeability of the karst aquifer is a consequence of a well-developed network of caves and conduits. Due to the extensive presence of karstified rocks, groundwater flow is often unpredictable, which has been shown many times through unexpected tracer test results. Generally, a carbonate aquifer is recharged by the infiltration of atmospheric water and discharged through the large springs distributed along the coast, valleys and canyons. These karstic springs represent the main drinking water sources, but wellfields in granular aquifers are also important for water supply and irrigation. Establishing adequate groundwater protection is currently one of the biggest environmental challenges in Montenegro.