Influence of interbasin transfers between the Alcantara and Guadiloba reservoirs on the radiological quality of the drinking water of the city of Caceres (Spain)

From 1994 to 1996 we have studied a number of radioactive (total β and residual β-activity levels and 3H activity) and physico-chemical (pH, conductivity, and natural potassium content) parameters in the water of two Alcantara and Guadiloba reservoirs, which are artificially connected by interbasin transfers. The analysis of the results showed the existence of major correlations between the two systems for tritium activity, conductivity, and stable potassium content. A model based on the water balance in the Guadiloba reservoir was also elaborated which allowed us to forecast its effective surface area monthly, which varied extraordinarily between 0.405 and 135 km2. (author)