New Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca river basin – invitation to consultations

Residents of the Bystrzyca river basin area will have the opportunity to express their opinions on the new flood protection program. Polish Waters and representatives of the Ministry of Infrastructure are encouraging active participation – assuring that the opinions of residents will be taken into account when planning effective flood protection. Check the deadline for submitting your comments!

Flood protection program for the Bystrzyca – how to prevent another 2024-level flood?

The development of the Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca river basin was treated as a priority due to the frequent flooding in this area. Over the past few decades, 13 flood events classified as significant have been recorded – with as many as 5 occurring within the last 15 years. This situation stems in part from the fact that the Bystrzyca flows partially through foothill regions, which experience higher average rainfall and rapid surface runoff, before eventually becoming a lowland river.

The Bystrzyca basin was also affected by last year’s flood. The direct cause was a low-pressure system that led to continuous rainfall between September 12 and 16, 2024. Across all watercourses in the basin administered by the Wrocław Regional Water Management Authority (RZGW), water overflowed riverbeds, flooding buildings, properties, and agricultural land. Dzierżoniów was particularly affected, along with several smaller towns.

The Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca river basin is being developed to increase safety in the region impacted by the 2024 flood. The effectiveness of the proposed measures has been verified through comprehensive hydrological and hydraulic modeling conducted by IMGW-PIB.

As a result of these analyses, the RZGW in Wrocław concluded that building a dry flood-control reservoir in Kątki on the Czarna Woda river would be an effective flood prevention method in the Bystrzyca basin. This would reduce peak flows on the Czarna Woda below the reservoir by 31%, and by 15% in the area where it meets the Bystrzyca. This would provide better protection for towns in the Marcinowice municipality.

RZGW Wrocław also recommended actions such as: modernizing flood embankments in urbanized areas, constructing new flood walls, widening and clearing riverbeds, increasing the capacity of selected bridges, and, as a last resort, removing buildings located too close to the river. The implementation of non-technical solutions is also being considered – less invasive and more cost-effective measures that in many cases can be equally effective. These include increasing natural retention through afforestation of the upper and middle parts of the catchment and creating small retention reservoirs in those same areas.

The flood protection program for the Bystrzyca river basin is not the only one to be implemented in Lower Silesia. More proposals are expected to protect the region from flooding. Public consultations for the Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Nysa Kłodzka river have already concluded – their results will be announced at the turn of August and September. Upcoming programs will address the Bobr, Kaczawa, Iłownica, and Biała river basins.

What do the residents say? The role of public consultations in the Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca river basin

For the Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca river basin to be implemented effectively, the understanding and support of local residents is essential.

This is not just a technical project – it’s a shared responsibility for the safety of our homes and environment. We encourage everyone to actively participate in the consultations, said Mateusz Balcerowicz, President of Polish Waters.

Przemysław Koperski, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure, added in a similar tone:
Implementation requires social acceptance and political support. This is a moment when the voice of residents truly matters.

How to take part in the consultations?

Any representative of local government, social organization, or simply a citizen can submit comments and suggestions regarding the assumptions of the Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca basin. To do so, simply fill out the submission form available on the website of the Flood Risk Reduction Program for the Bystrzyca river basin.

Public consultations will run from July 16, 2025, to October 16, 2025.