Issue 15/2025, News
Black October 2025 in Polish water systems. Contaminated water – what to do?
Oct
In October, contamination by bacteria was detected in several water supply networks across Poland. Thousands of residents, mainly in the Lower Silesian and Warmian-Masurian voivodeships, were deprived of access to drinking water. Here is the current situation and guidance on how to act in such cases.
Latest reports on bacteria in water systems
On October 22, the State County Sanitary Inspector (PPIS) in Poznań reported contamination of water in the rural Rogalin water supply system with coliform bacteria. According to Głos Wielkopolski, the Rogalin Palace was temporarily closed due to the contamination.
That same day, the County Sanitary and Epidemiological Station (PSSE) in Wrocław issued a notice declaring water from the Święta Katarzyna network unfit for consumption. The system supplies the towns of Święta Katarzyna, Grodziszów, Sulęcin, parts of Sulimów and Siechnice, and Radwanice. The cause was an excessive level of coliform bacteria. According to TVP Wrocław, 4,500 people in the Siechnice commune remain without access to drinking water, and the warning is in effect until October 30.
Earlier, similar announcements were issued for several other towns in Lower Silesia. At the beginning of the month, more than 3,000 residents of Jordanów Śląski commune were deprived of potable water. The situation was normalized only on October 17. On that day, the Wrocław PPIS reported that the water could be used for washing fruits and vegetables, bathing, and even for consumption – but only after boiling.
Microbiological contamination was also detected in tap water in the Warmian-Masurian region. In a statement issued on October 15, the Warmian-Masurian Provincial Sanitary Inspector announced that water in three systems – Turowo (Nidzica County), Dolina (Iława County), and Grunwald (Ostróda County) – was unfit for consumption. In the latter case, more than 2,000 people were left without access to clean water.
Water crisis in Wałcz? Allegations and response from sanitary authorities
On October 9, 2025, the PSSE in Wałcz reported the presence of coliform and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria in the municipal water supply. A day later, tests also revealed enterococci, or fecal streptococci. As reported by the local portal Extra Wałcz, city authorities reacted immediately – an emergency task force was established and water deliveries by tankers were launched. The Territorial Defense Forces also joined the effort. The Wałcz water utility promptly began disinfecting the network. At the same time, some media outlets accused the company of delaying the official announcement and imposing an overly strict ban on water use.
In response, the Wałcz sanitary inspectorate explained that the ban was introduced due to the presence of not only coliforms but also enterococci in the samples. According to inspectors, such water is unsafe for consumption even after boiling.
Currently, water in Wałcz is safe to drink again. On October 14, the PPIS in Wałcz confirmed that no bacterial contamination remained, though it recommended boiling water before drinking as a precaution.
What to do when bacteria are found in water?
Contamination in water systems can occur in any water supply network. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check announcements from sanitary authorities or local sanitary inspectorates. Relevant notices are usually also posted on municipal websites.
According to guidelines from the Wrocław PPIS, the presence of coliform bacteria makes tap water unsafe for direct consumption. It should not be used for cooking, washing fruits and vegetables, bathing, brushing teeth, or cleaning wounds. However, it can still be used for sanitary purposes, such as flushing toilets.
Residents of areas where water contamination has been detected can use water supplied by tankers. It is important to remember that, under the Act on Collective Water Supply and Collective Wastewater Disposal, municipal authorities are responsible for providing such emergency water supplies and should be contacted for assistance in these situations.
main photo credit: Andres Siimon/Unsplash
