Хидрогеографска студија реке Лепенице

The Lepenica River, a vital artery winding through the Šumadija region, reveals itself as a complex hydrological system, integral to the economic and urban development of its basin. Tracing its journey from the Studenac spring on the Gledićke Mountains at an altitude of 380 meters, the river carves its path, often shifting direction due to the varied terrain and geological formations, until it merges with the Velika Morava River near Lapovo at 99 meters above sea level. Its regulated course now spans 55.4 kilometers, draining a basin area of approximately 638.9 square kilometers, a territory marked by significant human influence.

The intricate network of the Lepenica is noteworthy, as its main channel, despite its length, receives a remarkable 37 tributaries - 21 from the left and 16 from the right - totaling 653.8 kilometers of interconnected waterways across first, second, and third categories. This extensive system, however, faces considerable challenges. Historical issues of water supply, particularly for the town of Kragujevac in the 1970s, were addressed with the construction of the Gruža water supply system. Yet, while quantity concerns were largely mitigated, the quality of the water remains a persistent problem.

Indeed, analyses conducted in 2004 by the Republic Health Institute in Belgrade revealed that a staggering 57% of water samples exhibited chemical incorrectness, primarily due to organic matter within the Gruža system, far outweighing the minimal bacteriological issues. Beyond the Gruža system, regions like Batočina and Lapovo continue to grapple with their own water supply deficiencies. The overarching recommendation for sustainable solutions points towards the establishment of a regional water supply system, envisioning adequate provision for the entire Šumadija region for decades to come.

The study further unveils a landscape significantly impacted by erosion, affecting a substantial portion of the basin - some 525 square kilometers, or 82.2% of the total area - a process largely driven by human activities. Regrettably, efforts towards soil revitalization and protection have been insufficient. Floods and torrents, particularly in the Kragujevac valley, represent another critical hydrological problem, underscoring the disorderly water regime of the Lepenica and its tributaries.

Furthermore, the natural vegetation cover within the Lepenica river basin has diminished, with only about 41% of the territory retaining its original woodlands, grasslands, and swamp vegetation. The majority of the basin, especially along the river valleys, has seen its natural habitats transformed into cultivated lands and meadows. This alteration, coupled with significant pollution, places immense pressure on the river's ecosystem.

The Lepenica River is, unfortunately, identified as one of Serbia's most polluted rivers, frequently fluctuating between Class IV and "out of class" in terms of water quality. The highest degree of pollution typically occurs during summer and early autumn when discharge rates are at their lowest. The primary culprits are industrial wastewater, particularly from the "Crvena Zastava" complex, and urban sewage. The accumulation of organic pollutants fuels microbial growth, depleting dissolved oxygen and threatening aquatic life.

To address these multifaceted issues, the necessity for comprehensive measures becomes apparent. Afforestation of barren mountainous terrains is crucial, as is the installation of water level monitoring instruments in key tributaries such as Uglješnica, Dračka reka, Ždraljica, and Jabučka reka. The urgent need for a polluter cadastre within the basin is also highlighted, emphasizing the importance of identifying and managing sources of contamination to safeguard this vital water resource.