Hidrológiai Közlöny 1971 (51. évfolyam)

1. szám - Illés György: A Kongresszus célkitűzése

Hidrológiai Közlöny 1971. 1. sz. 2 Objective of the conference* ILLÉS, GYÖRGY Director General, Chief Administration for Water Supply and Sewerage, National Water Authority The path of water on the Globe and its environment, on the continents, within the oceans and in the atmosphere is studied by thousands of experts and scientists all over the World. Along this complex cvcle water displays a wide variety of quantitv, distribution, jihases, temperature, chemistry and in the wonderful variabilitv of flóra and fauna. The cycle of water in Nature and the relationship with its environment along particular points of this cycle are deterministic for its role and function, whether it is capable of forming the biosphere for life, an environment offering recreation, an element readv for utilization or presenting a destructive, devastating menace to societv. Modern Man, on the doorsteps of the universe and looking far bevond has succeeded in penetrating the micro-world as well. Materials are recombined into new ones. The boundaries of the World known to Man have expanded. The World of water was no exception to this expansion, as a result of which added information and new means became available, which we attempt to use for controlling water along each section of its complex cycle — in the atmosphere and soil alike — so as to attain the highest benefits for society. Studies into the laws governing the movement of water, observations on variations in both space and time, on the other hand, the control and quality transformation of waters described by a wide variety of quantitative, quality, space- and time parameters raises thousands of new problems in contemporary water management, opening wide fields for research in water engineering and related sciences alike. It is however, reassuring that the challenge presented by the multitude and complexity of problems is faced by a growing staff of experts studying both the clean waters and the life in polluted ones, where the biological balance has already been disturbed, with the objective of finding methods and ways to make them again useful to Man, to his industry and agriculture. Water engineers and sanitation experts, chemical * Ovving to the illness of Mr. S. Vitális, Doctor of Geoand Mineral Sciences, Professor, President of the Hungárián Hydrological Society, the address was delivered by Mr. Gy. illés, Co-President of the ITungarian Hydrological Society. engineers and biologists, geologists, geophysicists and hvdrologists, together with representatives of many other sciences liave concerted their efforts to reach this objective. One of the questions considered by this Conference is concerned with the quality of waters which must and can be considered now and in the future as sources of supply. The other is concerned with the methods, the sequence of technical, biological and chemical means and processes, by which water of a quality fit for drinking can be produced from increasinglv polluted waters. And finally — once it has been treated by contemporary technological processes — water must be followed along the new compulsory path controlled by us, within the complex system of distribution networks to understand the processes taking place there, in order to convey water without harm to the consumers, i. e., Man. The ramified problems on the agenda of the Conference form but a small part of the vast sphere of problems facing water management in modern times. Isolated efforts by scientists in different institutions and countries may alsó lead to valuable results, but in view of the accelerated rate of development in modern times it is hardly possible to keep pace with the requirements of practical life, unless the results are coordinated and mutually evaluted. Periodical exchange of expei'ience, regular relationships between representatives of water management and related sciences, organised cooperation between professional institutions may accelerate the rate of development alsó in this field. The present sessions are expected to contribute to this fundamental objective. On behalf of the presidium of the Hungárián Hydrological Society 1 have the honour of welcoming all participants of this Conference, who have come with the decision to contribute by their work to the advancement of our common cause, the perspective procurement of one of the fundamental elements to humán life and the development of appropriate methods of water supply. Concerted efforts, a better understanding of complex phenomena and the increasingly powerful means offered by science and technology will certainly enable us to reach this objective.