The study assessed the quality and usability of water in the Bąbola stream that drains a 3.25 km2 catchment situated in the Beskid Makowski Mts. (southern Poland). A water storage reservoir is to be built on the stream as part of the Small Retention Programme for the Malopolska Region. Field research was conducted on 24 randomly selected dates in 2007 and 2008, and included measurements of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen concentration, and water electrolytic conductivity. Total suspended solids, dissolved solids, biogenic compounds (NH4⁺, NO^– 2, NO^– 3, PO³4 ^–), minerals (SO²4 ^–, Cl^–, Mn²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺), BZT5, ChZTMn,) BOD₅, COD_Mn, and metals ( Fe^2+/3+, Mn) were determined in the laboratory. Heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb) assay, and coliform and fecal coliform counts were done once a quarter. The water of the stream showed a very good quality (I class). After physical and chemical processing it would be fit for consumption. It is also suitable for recreational purposes (bathing, swimming) and for fish culture. The low concentrations of biogenic components in the stream water suggest that the projected reservoir will not be threatened with eutrophication.

17-23