GIS-based risk assessment of water supply intakes in the British uplands
The process of pollution risk assessment requires the assimilation of data that are spatially variable in nature, making geographical information systems (GIS) an ideal tool for such assessments. Over half of Britain’s drinking water is obtained from surface water abstractions, many of which are situated in upland areas. In order to optimise the quality of abstracted waters it is important to assess the possible risks of pollution upstream of the point of abstraction. This paper describes a case study of a risk assessment procedure developed using the PC-based WINGS GIS, illustrating how this technology can assist in environmental decision making. Examples are given showing how GIS techniques can be used to produce maps indicating areas of potential hazard to water quality, and coupled with existing models to identify and quantify risks. The assessment of pollution risks is used to formulate a raw water monitoring programme to assist in intake operation and land-use planning in the catchment.