Book of Abstracts and Contributed Papers ,
Pages: 24-30,
https://doi.org/10.69646/aob260905
2nd International Meeting on Building Bridges Between Climate Science and Society Through a Transdisciplinary Network
Published by: Scientific Society Isaac Newton Belgrade

Soil erosion is a major global land degradation process with significant implications for surface water quality, particularly in reservoirs where sediments and associated pollutants accumulate over time. Erosion modelling can therefore support the identification of upstream hazards relevant to drinking-water source protection and Water Safety Planning. Various empirical, semi-empirical, and physically based models are available, but their applicability depends on catchment characteristics and data availability. This study proposes a GIS-based methodological framework using the Erosion Potential Method (EPM), selected for its suitability for catchment-scale assessment under limited data conditions. The framework links spatial patterns of erosion intensity and sediment production with the identification of potential hazards and critical areas within the Water Safety Plan planning process. Its applicability is demonstrated in the Veliki Rzav catchment in Republic of Serbia, an important regional public water resource system. The proposed approach highlights the potential of integrating soil erosion assessment into preventive, risk-based drinking-water management and catchment protection strategies.