Authorities have presented the latest information concerning the situation on the Bóbr River.

No dead fish found

During Tuesday’s field inspection by the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, no dead fish were confirmed in the inspected section of the river.

Inspectors point out, however, that the pollution is still visibly present between Pilchowice Dam and the outlet to Rakowickie Lake I. The water in Rakowickie Lake and in Włodzice Wielkie was only slightly cloudy.

The Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection is still awaiting the full laboratory results concerning suspended matter and metal content in samples collected on 4, 5 and 6 July.

Oxygen levels still low in Marczów

The published field measurement results show a varied situation along the individual sections of the Bóbr.

The lowest dissolved oxygen content was recorded in Marczów, where it was 4.21 mg/l, while oxygen saturation reached 46.4 percent.

Better results were recorded, among other places, in:

  • Pilchowice Dam – 8.46 mg/l,
  • Nielestno – 6.94 mg/l,
  • Lwówek Śląski – 6.44 mg/l,
  • Rakowickie Lake I – 8.61 mg/l,
  • Włodzice Wielkie – 12.02 mg/l.

According to the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, oxygenation improved compared with the previous day in the Lwówek Śląski and Włodzice Wielkie areas. A slight decrease in oxygen content was recorded in Rakowickie Lake, while in Marczów the parameters remain at a similar, still low level.

10 aerators in operation

Ten aerators are still being used in efforts to improve water quality.

Some of the equipment has been moved to Marczów, Lwówek Śląski and Brunów, where it is intended to support oxygenation of the river. The placement of the equipment was agreed with Wody Polskie and the Polish Angling Association.

Health inspectorate: mercury test results pose no threat

The statement once again addressed information about mercury that has been appearing in the public sphere.

The State Sanitary Inspectorate maintains that the mercury test results presented so far by the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection pose no threat to human health.

At the same time, the Health Inspectorate reminds the public that the basis for issuing the current recommendations and the voivode’s regulation was the results of microbiological tests showing the presence of the bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci, not the results of heavy-metal tests.

Tap water is safe

Authorities also assure residents that the situation on the river does not affect the quality of the water supplied to residents.

According to the statement, water from the water supply network remains safe and meets all applicable quality standards.

Authorities deny reports of dead animals

The statement also addressed reports appearing on social media.

As reported, none of the reports about dead animals circulated online so far, including a beaver, have been confirmed. Each such report is verified by the relevant services in the field.

It was additionally recalled that earlier radiometric measurements revealed no irregularities.

The ban remains in force

In connection with Regulation No. 18 of the Lower Silesian Voivode currently in force, the ban on using the Bóbr River remains in force along the section from the crest of Pilchowice Dam to the Rakowice reservoir.

The ban covers:

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

Authorities also appeal to the public not to repeat unverified information published online. People who notice dead animals or other concerning incidents are asked to report them to the District Crisis Management Centre, the Police or the State Fire Service.

The next update concerning the situation on the Bóbr is scheduled to be published on Wednesday, 8 July, at approximately 2 p.m.