Drinking water supply in Sodražica, Ribnica and Kočevje

Three municipalities have joined forces in a partnership project Drinking water supply in the area Sodražica–Ribnica–Kočevje whose headline goal is to ensure reliable supply of safe drinking water in the three municipalities. The project further seeks to ensure treatment of wastewater in wastewater treatment plants, introduce hydraulic improvements to the water distribution network and increase the number of local residents connected to the water distribution network.

As part of the project, works have been carried out on the existing water sources Blate, Slovenska vas and Podstene as well as on water bore wells Sodražica. Water sources of small-scale local water supply systems will be abandoned and appropriate conservation measures carried out, or will be used as alternative water sources. A new 65,000-meter water pipeline has been installed, 11 pumping stations and 4 forebays have been constructed, and a further 3 drinking water treatment plants have been developed. The existing water supply systems have been integrated into a comprehensive water supply system in order to improve the system control and monitoring, and ensure efficient supply of quality drinking water. The hydraulic improvements made to the water supply system have resulted in improved conveyance and distribution efficiency by pipelines. In turn, these improvements have contributed to significant reduction in water losses, and to the conservation of valuable natural resources. 

The project has entered its final stage and has delivered safe, reliable and sustainable supply of drinking water through the development of a water supply system which now services a total of 25,114 residents in the municipalities of Sodražica, Ribnica and Kočevje. The serviced area has become much more attractive to live while better conditions created as a result of the investment will open up new development opportunities for the three municipalities and the region.  

PHOTO: David Lotrič