On Monday, July 6, another report on the situation on the Bóbr River was published. As emphasized by the State Sanitary Inspectorate, the basis for issuing the regulation of the Lower Silesian Voivode was the results of microbiological tests concerning the presence of bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci, not the results of tests for heavy metals.

Sanitary Inspectorate: mercury test results do not pose a threat

The statement noted that the mercury test results presented by the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection do not pose a threat to human health.

It was also recalled that water supplied to residents through the water-supply network remains safe and meets all applicable quality standards.

No dead fish found

The services also provided positive information from Monday’s field inspection. No dead fish were recorded in the section from Pilchowice Dam to Włodzice Wielkie.

Reports appearing on social media about dead animals in the Bóbr River area were also not confirmed. The services are appealing to the public not to repeat unverified reports, which may cause unnecessary concern.

Additionally, the State Fire Service reported that preventive radiometer measurements detected no irregularities either at the reservoir, at the dam, or at the other monitored points.

Latest water-quality test results

Measurements taken on July 6 show a varied situation in the individual sections of the river.

The highest dissolved-oxygen content was recorded in Lake Rakowickie I and in Włodzice Wielkie, where the indicators improved compared with the previous day. In the area of Pilchowice Dam, Nielestno and Marczów, the values remained at a level similar to the measurements from July 5.

The situation deteriorated in Lwówek Śląski, where the dissolved-oxygen content was lower than the day before.

The inspection also found that the pollution was still visibly present along the section from Pilchowice Dam to the outlet into Lake Rakowickie I. The water near the dam is dark brown, while farther downstream it is brown. In Lake Rakowickie and in Włodzice Wielkie, it was only slightly cloudy.

The ban remains in force

Despite the positive information concerning mercury and the absence of dead fish, the restrictions in force have not been lifted.

The ban covers the section of the Bóbr River from the crest of Pilchowice Dam to the Rakowice Reservoir and concerns:

  • entering the water and swimming,
  • watering animals,
  • recreational and commercial fishing,
  • using the water for commercial purposes,
  • using watercraft.

Inspections and service operations continue

Investigations into the causes of the events on the Bóbr River are also continuing. The Lower Silesian Voivode ordered an inspection of the renovation work being carried out at the Pilchowice Reservoir; the Regional Directorate for Environmental Protection is also conducting activities, while the District Prosecutor’s Office in Lwówek Śląski is investigating the circumstances of the events on the river.

Tauron Ekoenergia announced that the Pilchowice Reservoir is not currently being impounded and only the biological flow is being maintained. Ten aerators are operating on the river, additional water-quality measurements are being conducted, and on July 9 the first meeting of the newly appointed Social Council for the situation on the Bóbr River and Lake Pilchowickie will take place.

In turn, Wody Polskie reported that water-quality monitoring is being conducted according to the schedule along an almost 32-kilometer section of the river. The services announced that the next statement on the situation on the Bóbr River will be published on Tuesday, July 7, at approximately 2:00 p.m.