Poland is embarking on a transformative journey to safeguard its water resources and mitigate the growing challenges posed by climate change. In a recent announcement at the 2nd Water Congress in Wrocław, Marek Gróbarczyk, the deputy infrastructure minister, unveiled an ambitious plan to increase water retention to 20 percent. This initiative, aptly named the ‘Water for Poland’ program, is poised to reshape the country’s approach to water management and secure a sustainable future for its citizens.
Poland currently faces a stark reality – it can retain only less than 7 percent of its average annual runoff, which amounts to 4 billion cubic meters of water. This pales in comparison to the European average of 15 percent, highlighting the urgent need for change. Krzysztof Woś, president of the State Water Holding Polskie Wody, underscored the significance of this initiative in the face of such statistics.
The ‘Water for Poland’ program encompasses a multifaceted approach to address this critical issue. One of the key components involves the construction of approximately 400 large and small reservoirs to collect and store water efficiently. This will be complemented by the modernization and development of around 50,000 kilometres of canals, creating a comprehensive network to manage water resources effectively.
Marek Gróbarczyk emphasized that the primary objective of this extensive system is to secure water availability for all sectors, with a particular focus on agriculture. Agriculture plays a pivotal role in Poland’s economy, and ensuring a stable and adequate water supply is essential for agricultural production.
Poland’s current water retention capacity not only falls behind European averages but also lags far behind nations like Spain, where over 30 percent of average annual water runoff is retained through a vast network of reservoirs. By setting an ambitious goal of 20 percent retention, Poland is signalling its commitment to improving water security, not just for the economy but for the natural environment and society as a whole.