Restoring Land and Safeguarding Water

Introduction

Croatia’s landscapes from the fertile plains of Slavonia to the Sava River basin and its growing industrial hubs have always been at the heart of the country’s economy. Agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing continue to shape national growth, but decades of intensive farming, industry, and unplanned urbanization have left a clear environmental footprint. Soil pollution and groundwater contamination are now pressing concerns, threatening farmland productivity, clean aquifers, and the health of local communities.

At The Ground Water Company, we deliver specialized soil remediation services across Croatia. Our mission is to support municipalities, industries, and landowners in restoring polluted sites, protecting water resources, and meeting both Croatian regulations and European Union environmental standards.

What Is Soil Remediation?

Soil remediation is the process of cleaning up and restoring contaminated soil to make it safe for people, plants, and animals. It’s commonly used at sites where industrial activities, chemical spills, or improper waste disposal have polluted the ground.

• Agricultural chemicals – Fertilizers and pesticides used in intensive farming, especially in Slavonia’s farmlands.
• Petroleum hydrocarbons – Leaks and spills from transport corridors, industrial plants, and fuel depots.
• Heavy metals – Residues from historical mining and industrial activities in central and northern Croatia.
• Industrial waste – Improperly managed waste near cities and outdated landfill sites.
• Nitrates – Over-fertilization and irrigation practices leading to groundwater stress.

Key Soil Contamination Challenges in Croatia

Croatia’s mix of coastal zones, fertile plains, and industrial centers brings unique environmental challenges:

• Agricultural Pressure – Fertilizer use in farming regions has led to nitrate buildup in soils and aquifers.
• Industrial Legacy – Factories and workshops in urban hubs have left behind hydrocarbons and solvents.
• Mining Footprints – Old mining areas continue to release heavy metals into soils and water systems.
• Urban Expansion – Rapid development, particularly around Zagreb and coastal cities, adds pressure to waste management systems.
• Groundwater Dependence – With aquifers providing much of Croatia’s drinking water, contamination poses long-term risks.

Our Soil Remediation Services in Croatia

1. Site Assessment & Soil Testing

Soil sampling and analysis to identify contaminants

Risk assessment for human health and environment

Geotechnical surveys to understand soil structure

2. Excavation & Disposal

Removal of contaminated soil

Transport to licensed disposal facilities

Landfill management or off-site treatment

3.In-Situ Remediation Services

Bioremediation (using microbes or plants)

Chemical oxidation/reduction

Soil vapor extraction

Phytoremediation

4.Ex-Situ Remediation Services

Soil washing

Thermal desorption

Stabilization 

5.Water Treatment 

Pump and treat systems

Permeable reactive barriers

Containment systems

6.Monitoring & Reporting

Post-remediation soil testing

Environmental monitoring

Regulatory reporting and documentation

Why Soil Remediation Matters in Croatia

• Protects Drinking Water – Secures clean aquifers for communities across the country.
• Restores Farmland – Keeps Croatia’s agricultural soils fertile and productive.
• Supports Compliance – Ensures alignment with Croatian laws and EU directives.
• Protects Communities – Minimizes exposure to harmful pollutants.
• Revitalizes Land – Makes brownfield and abandoned sites safe for redevelopment.
  

Other Groundwater Services We Provide in Croatia

In addition to soil remediation, GWC offers a wide range of groundwater services:

•  Ground water exploration
•  Ground water recharge
•  Ground water contamination
•  Dewatering solutions
•  Flooding solutions
•  Hydrological studies
•  Ground water seepage
  
•  Ground water remediatio
  
•  Flood risk assessment
•  Ground water consulting
•  Ground water quality monitoring
•  Integrated water resources management
•  Rock mapping
  

Conclusion

Croatia’s future depends on protecting its soils, aquifers, and natural landscapes while continuing to grow its economy. At The Ground Water Company, we bring proven expertise and advanced technology to restore polluted land, safeguard groundwater, and enable sustainable development. Our goal is simple: to help Croatia build a cleaner, safer, and more resilient environment for generations to come.