Once again, Wrocław became the venue for a debate focused on water and its impact on the quality of life in Polish cities. This year, the issue proved more relevant than ever. The flood that struck southwestern Poland in September not only destroyed the property of many people but also prompted discussions on water management in our country.
Inaugural session: the essential role of water in urban development
Many prominent experts participated in the event. During the inaugural session, Michał Młyńczak, Deputy Mayor of Wrocław, highlighted that “the city of Wrocław has always had a close connection with water, and as the city expands, the significance of other water bodies, such as Ślęza, Bystrzyca, and Widawa rivers, also grows.” He added that “Wrocław’s rivers are a part of our natural heritage, opening up many opportunities for the development and revitalization of riverside zones.” Arkadiusz Wójs, Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology, emphasized that while water offers great potential, it also brings significant risks that must be accounted for in water management.
Water resources management in Poland: Challenges and solutions for sustainable urban development and flood safety
Przemysław Koperski, Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure, discussed how water resources should be managed in Poland. He emphasized the need for local and national responses to the changing world and how we must address these challenges together.
International perspectives on water management
International experts also shared insights. Pietro Francesco de Lotto from the European Economic and Social Committee pointed out the limited freshwater resources in Europe. Yenny Vega Cardenas, President of the International Observatory on Nature’s Rights, posed the question: “Should the Oder River have rights?” She argued that human activity has disrupted aquatic biodiversity and stressed that immediate remedial actions are essential for restoring biodiversity to the river.
Another major flood: lessons learned and unlearned
Professor Janusz Zaleski, Director of the Flood Protection Project in the Odra and Vistula River Basins, remarked that major floods occur roughly every 13–14 years, giving us time to prepare. He highlighted both successful and missed opportunities, such as the creation of the Racibórz Dolny reservoir, which helped protect cities along the Odra River.
Session highlights: water fees and flood mitigation responsibilities
One of the notable sessions, moderated by Janusz Zaleski, addressed whether water fees should be managed by central or local authorities. Mateusz Balcerowicz from PGW Wody Polskie noted that drought and flooding occur simultaneously in Poland, presenting challenges for national and local water management. Participants discussed who should set water tariffs, with varying perspectives on whether central authority or local councils should manage them. Izabela Godyń from Cracow University of Technology argued that the water and sewage industry, being a natural monopoly, should be centrally regulated. Other experts discussed the economic complexities of maintaining a stable water and sewage sector.
Water City Index 2024 awards ceremony
On the second day, the Water City Index 2024 awards were presented, ranking Polish cities on water resource management. Created by Arcadis experts, academic staff from the Cracow University of Economics, and the Public Economy and Administration Foundation, this is the only publication on the Polish market that extensively evaluates urban water infrastructure management. This year’s rankings are as follows:
- Metropolises: 1. Wrocław, 2. Łódź, 3. Bydgoszcz
- Medium-sized cities: 1. Mrągowo, 2. Augustów, 3. Żywiec
- County-status cities: 1. Słupsk, 2. Gdynia, 3. Gorzów Wielkopolski
- Special mention: Lublin for excellence in water footprint management.
The City – Water – Quality of Life Congress took place on October 15-16 at the Wrocław University of Science and Technology Congress Center. It was organized by the Open Eyes Economy movement and the City of Wrocław in cooperation with the Public Economy and Administration Foundation, Wrocław University of Science and Technology, Wrocław’s Municipal Water and Sewage Company, and the Wrocław Convention Bureau.
