Until the 1980s, drought affected Poland every five years; now it occurs every two years. We do not manage water, land and forests well—as a country on a global scale—and we no longer have snowy winters and are increasingly experiencing violent storms. Springs are dry. The Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation reports that Poland is currently among the countries with the smallest water resources in the European Union. Last year, approximately 12 percent of municipalities had very serious problems with water shortages, while emergency situations were declared in more than 300 municipalities due to a lack of water, according to information from Wody Polskie. What is the situation in the Bolesławiec municipality? Grażyna Hanaf talks with Grzegorz Kozłowski, technical director of the Bolesławiec PWiK company. During the programme, viewers could ask our guest questions.

Grzegorz Kozłowski:

I can confidently assure you that residents served by PWiK Bolesławiec in Bolesławiec and the Bolesławiec municipality, in the town and municipality of Lwówek Śląski, and in the town and municipality of Wleń can feel completely safe when it comes to water supply.

We are fortunate to live in an area with very good and stable groundwater resources.

Our water intakes are stable. We monitor our intakes. Despite the ongoing drought, we have not recorded any worrying trends.

Monitoring shows that the water table, for example at the deep-water intake on Modłowa Street in Bolesławiec, is stable, and fluctuations are slight.

When watering plants, it is better to water them thoroughly but less frequently than more often but sparingly.

When using groundwater intakes, we have nothing to worry about. Tap water is safe to drink. You may notice a smell of chlorine. Despite this, the water retains all its health benefits.

In accordance with WHO recommendations, the water is disinfected. Previously, we did not disinfect the water. Recommendations on this matter have now been issued in connection with the coronavirus.

In connection with the coronavirus, we introduced procedures for disinfecting wastewater discharged from the district hospital and the provincial hospital.

I hope that we will get through this difficult period and that our healthy water, which we can use and drink without major restrictions, will certainly help us.