The State Hydrogeological Service has updated information on the state of hydrogeological risk associated with the forecast and occurrence of hydrogeological lows – PSH Warning No. 1/2023, dated January 31, 2023.
A state of emergency is currently in effect for eight provinces: the West Pomeranian, Pomeranian, Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Greater Poland, Warmian-Masurian, Mazovian, and Lubuskie and Lower Silesian provinces. At the same time, the state of emergency for the Świętokrzyskie Province was canceled.
Low levels of the groundwater table can cause local water shortages at individual, shallow farm intakes and municipal intakes exploiting the first aquifer. On the other hand, no difficulties are expected in the coming weeks in drawing water from deeper aquifers, including those used by municipal or industrial intakes.
Good to know: the PSH warning is issued mainly for people using farm wells from which shallow groundwater is extracted. The information in the warning indicates that in a situation of unfavorable meteorological conditions (rainfall deficit), a hydrogeological low may develop in the coming weeks and there may be difficulties in capturing shallow groundwater in the indicated provinces.
A hydrogeological low occurs when the declining groundwater table exceeds low warning levels. This means that in shallow aquifers, as a result of limited rainfall recharge, the water saturation zone will decrease.
Source: https://www.pgi.gov.pl/psh/psh-2/aktualna-sytuacja-hydrogeologiczna/9612-ostrzezenie-psh-nr-1-2023-z-31-01-2023.html