Across Latvia`s border with Lithuania lie several aquifers on which both countries rely. Although water resources seem to be sufficient in this area, dry summers and deterioration of water quality notes the need for water management in cross-border territory. In cross-border territory drinking water resources may be affected by activities in neighbouring country, therefore before consideration of corrective measures it is necessary to harmonise already existing data.

In year 2003 technical protocol was signed by Latvian and Lithuanian Ministries of Environment on joint management of Daugava, Lielupe and Venta River Basin Districts. In addition since year 2016 Lithuanian Geological Survey and Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre have agreed upon cooperation in the field of groundwater management to carry out joint sampling for interlaboratory testing as well as exchange of data. Currently the cooperation has been successful and no significant legal obstacles to its durability can be expected.

During the B-solution project additional tools (harmonised maps, geological cross-sections, stratigraphy etc.) are prepared to process the obtained monitoring data and to develop an agreed follow-up plan. It must be stressed that to ensure implementation of follow-up activates long-term cooperation is needed. Only then assessment of variable water quality and quantity indicators under hydrogeological conditions will be possible.

The project “Lithuanian Geological Survey and Latvian Environment, Geology and Meteorology Centre institutional cooperation on cross-border groundwater management” is financed by the European Union.