Conditions and possibilities of direct utilisation of thermal-mineral waters in Raska region, Serbia

The natural thermal-mineral springs in the Raska region in Serbia have been known since the ancient period. Temperatures of these sources between 26 °C and 51 °C have allowed the use of water for balneology and recreational purposes. Research over the past 50 years have pointed to the existence of significant amounts of thermal-mineral waters that occur in different tectonic zones and faults in the Dinarides. Bearing in mind the properties of thermal-mineral waters the paper deals with possibilities of their use as a renewable resource. The paper analyses the way of use of waters in three spas and one spring for health and recreational purposes and presents the possibilities for improving the use of unused water. The results hint at the possibility of direct use of heat energy from TM sources and substitution of fossil fuels, expenses of living and work in local communities. Direct use of geothermal energy, especially during the colder period of the year, would reduce the expenses of heating of public institutions, services and private households.