Flood Risk Reduction Program in the Nysa Kłodzka Catchment – consultations starting soon

On February 26, 2025, in Wrocław, the Flood Risk Reduction Program in the Nysa Kłodzka Catchment was presented to local government representatives from regions most affected by last year’s flood. Public consultations on the program will last until March 31, 2025, allowing residents and experts to provide feedback on the planned measures.

Main assumptions of the program

The Flood Risk Reduction Program in the Nysa Kłodzka Catchment, developed by Wody Polskie in cooperation with the scientific community, aims to increase the safety of residents in the Lower Silesia and Opole regions through the implementation of comprehensive flood prevention measures. The project includes a series of actions designed to protect people and property from flood damage. A key element is the construction of dry retention reservoirs and polders, which will enable controlled storage of excess water during periods of intense rainfall. However, the priority remains enhancing natural retention and designating areas for the safe dispersion of floodwaters.

Particular attention has been given to the Biała Lądecka catchment, where six action variants have been developed to control and reduce potential flood waves. All variants require land acquisition by the State Treasury and will undergo public consultations starting in early March 2025 to develop the optimal solution.

Planned investments and land acquisition

The program’s implementation will involve the acquisition of properties from 150 to 240 landowners. One of the recommended variants includes the construction of dry reservoirs in the towns of Goszów, Bolesławów, and Stójków, the activation of the Rudawka polder, and the renovation of the reservoir in Stronie Śląskie, which began in February 2025. The construction of a reservoir in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki is also planned, which will reduce flood risk in Nysa, Lewin Brzeski, and Skorogoszcz.

Minister Marcin Kierwiński emphasized that the program’s goal is to significantly reduce flood risk, although it cannot be entirely eliminated: “We are talking about investments that will be implemented in the coming years so that residents of the affected areas can feel safe. The program comprehensively includes a flood warning system, urban adaptation measures, increasing the resilience of buildings to water, as well as the construction of retention reservoirs in six variants.”

Flood Risk Reduction Program in the Nysa Kłodzka Catchment – public consultations until march 31

The Nysa Kłodzka catchment is an area with an elevated flood risk due to both geographical conditions and historical water management challenges. Although completely eliminating flood risk is impossible, the flood risk reduction program aims to significantly mitigate the effects of extreme hydrological events.

As part of the consultation process, residents and stakeholders will have the opportunity to review documentation and submit comments and suggestions. The consultations will run until March 31, 2025, and their results will be incorporated into the final version of the program. Informational materials will be available on the Wody Polskie website.

Program structure and implementation schedule

The program is divided into five main components:

1. Infrastructure measures in the Nysa Kłodzka catchment;
2. Risk reduction in the Biała Lądecka catchment;
3. Expansion of the cascade of reservoirs on the Nysa Kłodzka;
4. Risk reduction below Bardo;
5. Development of forecasting and warning systems.

The implementation of activities is planned for the years 2027–2034.