Thermal mineral waters of Vojvodina (Serbia) and the possibility of their use: A case study of the Municipality of Kikinda

On the territory of Vojvodina in the period from 1969 to 2010 78 boreholes were drilled for the purpose of finding thermal mineral water. Serbian part of Banat in Vojvodina has 18 boreholes, most of which in the municipality of Kikinda (six). All boreholes reach first hydro geological system. The geothermal gradient in the municipality of Kikinda is in the range of 0.052 to 0,057oCm-1, and the density of terrestrial heat flow is of 94 mWm-2 to 105 mWm-2, which is significantly more than in the area of the continental part of Europe. Thermal mineral waters in the wells in the municipality of Kikinda are hypothermal, with favorable mineralization, pH and salinity, which enable various possibilities of use. The waters have been used for heating needs of business premises and pig farm. However, in addition, water can be used in balneological purposes, for sports and recreation, agriculture, industry. Thermal mineral water found in the municipality of Kikinda can have a huge part in regional development, but also attract investors from our country and abroad. However, financial and administrative problems are just some of the restrictions when creating or implementing studies for the use of thermal mineral water in the municipality of Kikinda.