The Dolnośląski Urząd Wojewódzki has provided the latest information on the situation on the Bóbr River. As reported by the Wojewódzki Inspektorat Ochrony Środowiska, the initial results of Wednesday’s water-quality tests show a clear improvement in oxygen conditions.
Tests conducted at the dam and directly below it showed good water-oxygenation levels, reaching nearly 66 percent. Further samples collected along more distant sections of the river also confirmed a normal oxygen content. WIOŚ is still awaiting the results of analyses concerning suspended-solid concentrations from samples collected on July 2.
On that day, six samples were scheduled to be collected at six different locations, including from the Zbiornik Rakowicki. This will make it possible to assess how the situation is changing along successive sections of the Bóbr.
The results of analyses of suspended-material samples collected on June 30 and July 1 were also published. The analyses showed a high concentration of suspended material in the immediate vicinity of the dam; however, the parameters gradually improved along the river’s more distant sections. The tests also confirmed that the heavy-metal content in all collected samples falls within the applicable standards.
There is also good news concerning drinking water. Państwowa Inspekcja Sanitarna reported that the initial test results for samples collected from the water-supply network are normal, and the water supplied to residents remains safe to drink. Further analyses will be conducted on an ongoing basis. Sanepid also declared its support for Gmina Wleń in testing water from private deep wells.
Despite the improving test results, the authorities are not changing their recommendations. Until all analyses are completed, residents and tourists should avoid direct contact with the water of the Bóbr River. It was also reiterated that there are no designated legal bathing areas on the Bóbr.
Measures to limit the effects of the incident are also continuing. Tauron Ekoenergia reported that the removal of dead fish along the section from the dam to the paper mill has been completed. The work lasted three days, and so far several dozen dead fish have been collected. The company is nevertheless keeping equipment and boats ready in case further incidents occur.
At the same time, construction began on a temporary barrier intended to limit silt entering the river. Its installation is scheduled to be completed by Saturday. The installation of an aeration system for the Bóbr is also under way. Nearly a dozen aerators are on standby—three will be installed directly below the dam, while the others will be positioned at intervals of several hundred metres.
According to information provided by Wody Polskie, current monitoring does not indicate any new cases of dead fish along the further course of the Bóbr.
The authorities assure that the situation on the river remains under constant supervision. Further announcements will be published after the next water-quality test results are obtained.