Dec
Let’s return to the lakes – referring to the words of a well-known song by Czerwone Gitary, Szczytno truly is returning to its lakes, but in a modern, eco-friendly way. Thanks to support from the European Funds for Eastern Poland programme for 2021–27, the city will receive nearly PLN 50 million for the project Increasing retention of stormwater in the city of Szczytno with storage in the Domowe Małe reservoir. This is an investment that not only protects against the impacts of climate change but, above all, improves residents’ quality of life.
Green-blue space for people
The largest grant in the city’s history opens the way for a project that will combine modern engineering solutions with care for nature and residents’ comfort. The Domowe Małe reservoir will be restored and adapted to serve a retention function. This means that stormwater will be better collected and purified, reducing the risk of local flooding and improving the city’s safety.
New regulatory devices will enable the natural flow of water between the Domowe Małe and Domowe Duże lakes, and the reservoir’s shores will gain a new, greener look. Abundant shoreline and underwater vegetation will appear, naturally purifying the water and attracting birds, fish and other aquatic organisms.
Benefits for residents – not only environmental
The investment in Szczytno is not only about protection against the effects of climate change, but also a real improvement in the quality of life for residents. Thanks to the restoration and conversion of the reservoir into a retention basin, the city will gain safer water management, a cleaner environment and a new green-blue space that will serve the entire community for years – emphasised the vice-president of the board of the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management, which implements the EFEP programme.
For the residents of Szczytno, this investment means above all cleaner lakes and better air quality, translating into a healthier and more pleasant life in the city. With increased areas of greenery and water, hot days will become cooler and more comfortable, and modern infrastructure will help reduce the risk of floods and inundations, making the city safer. The Domowe Małe reservoir and its surroundings will also become a new place for leisure and recreation – ideal for walking, cycling, kayaking or family picnics by the water. All this will make Szczytno even more friendly, green and attractive – both for residents and for visiting tourists.
Modernity in harmony with nature
The project also includes the modernisation of the stormwater system and the construction of separators that will increase the effectiveness of stormwater treatment. All works will be carried out under the strict supervision of scientists to maintain a balance between infrastructure development and nature conservation. It is an example of how technology can be combined with nature to shape a city that breathes together with its residents.
Funds for the future
The funding for Szczytno is part of the broader programme European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021–2027, which supports investments that help cities adapt to climate change. Soon, the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management will announce further calls – both for similar projects and for the development of municipal adaptation plans.
source: Narodowy Fundusz Ochrony Środowiska i Gospodarki Wodnej
