Will we face water shortages from our taps? Municipalities urge residents to save water

Brief rainfall has not improved the hydrological situation in many regions of Poland. Drought is affecting not only farmers and water-dependent ecosystems, but all of us as well. More municipalities are asking residents to refrain from watering lawns and to systematically conserve water. Where is the situation the most difficult?

Are hydrological extremes becoming the new climate norm?

In a report published on 12 May this year, the Government Centre for Security informed about hydrological drought caused by low water levels in the Kuyavian-Pomeranian, Lublin, Lubusz, Łódź, Lesser Poland, Masovian, Opole, Subcarpathian, Silesian, Greater Poland and West Pomeranian voivodeships.

Polish Waters confirmed the introduction of drought alerts in the catchment areas of the Warta, Noteć and San rivers, while also emphasizing the significant disparity in water resources between catchments. Heavy rainfall in the south and east of the country led to dangerous rises in water levels in the Brynica and Gostynia river basins, exceeding warning thresholds.

Water conservation becomes a priority in municipalities

Due to the spring drought, many municipalities in the Lubusz Voivodeship are concerned about the continuity of water supplies. Very low water levels have been observed, among others, in the municipality of Urszulin, where local authorities are appealing to residents for restraint and responsibility. Recommendations include limiting lawn watering and car washing, as well as turning off taps during everyday activities.

Last week, a similar appeal was issued by the Subcarpathian municipality of Adamówka, where a clear decline in water levels at intake points has been observed. Local government representatives warned that if water resources are not properly respected, a complete ban on watering or interruptions in water supply may become necessary.

The worst-case scenario has already become reality in Pułtusk, where on 6 May this year the Water Supply and Sewage Company decided to introduce restrictions on water deliveries. The reason given was the prolonged lack of rainfall and the resulting drop in groundwater levels. City authorities also decided to begin the regeneration of existing wells at the water intake site, warning residents about a temporary deterioration in tap water quality.

Similar reports are also coming from other regions. In Lesznowola, an appeal to conserve water was issued after a drop in pressure in the water supply network was observed. According to the local municipal utility company, drought-related water consumption for garden irrigation has doubled, reaching nearly 14,000 cubic metres per day. Restrictions on water use for purposes other than household needs during afternoon hours have already been introduced in the municipality of Brwinów, where excessive water consumption for economic purposes was also recorded.

Rainwater harvesting more important than ever

Does hydrological drought mean giving up on having a beautiful garden? Not necessarily. Previously collected rainwater can always be used for watering lawns or flower beds, and due to its softness it is more beneficial for plants than tap water. In the face of increasingly frequent and prolonged droughts, however, a simple rain barrel is no longer a sufficient solution.

Periods of storms and intense rainfall provide an excellent opportunity to store water in the largest possible quantities. This is mainly achieved through systems collecting rainwater from sealed surfaces, as well as underground and above-ground storage tanks. We would also like to remind readers that the first application rounds for investment subsidies under the Mikroretencja programme will begin in June. We will provide more details soon in Wodne Sprawy.

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