During inspections carried out by the Voivodeship Inspectorate for Environmental Protection and Polish Waters along the section from Pilchowice Dam to Włodzice Wielkie, no new cases of dead fish were found. The authorities are also appealing for every such situation to be reported immediately by calling the emergency number 112, which will enable rapid verification and the appropriate action.
WIOŚ: conditions in the river are improving
The latest field measurements, carried out on 8 July, indicate an increase in dissolved oxygen levels in the water, among other places in Marczów, Lwówek Śląski and Rakowice Lake. At the measuring points by Pilchowice Dam and in Nielestno, the parameters remain at a level similar to the measurements taken the previous day.
The highest oxygenation was recorded in Włodzice Wielkie, where dissolved oxygen amounted to 10.29 mg/l, although a slight decrease compared with the previous day was recorded there. In Rakowice Lake, oxygen saturation exceeded 110 percent.
Partial laboratory test results are also available
WIOŚ also provided partial results of analyses of samples collected between 4 and 6 July. The tests show that the concentrations of total suspended solids, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biogenic compounds decreased in Nielestno, Marczów and Lwówek Śląski.
At the same time, the inspectorate stresses that the concentrations of dissolved heavy metals in the water remain at a level comparable to the results obtained on 3 July and do not indicate a deterioration of the situation.
In Rakowice Lake I and in Włodzice Wielkie, however, an increase in total suspended solids and chemical oxygen demand was recorded. These parameters remain subject to further monitoring and will be analysed after additional laboratory results are received.
Sanepid on the water in the river
The State Sanitary Inspectorate maintains its previous position that the basis for issuing the recommendations and the voivode’s regulation currently in force was the microbiological test results, not heavy-metal concentrations. This concerns the Bóbr River. According to Sanepid, the results of mercury tests in the Bóbr River obtained so far do not pose a threat to human health.
Tap water is safe
The District Sanitary and Epidemiological Station in Lwówek Śląski is conducting continuous monitoring of the water supply network, and all tests carried out so far confirm that the water supplied to residents remains fit for consumption. In addition, the private wells of residents located closest to the river in the municipalities of Wleń and Lwówek Śląski will be tested.
The ban on using the Bóbr remains in force
Despite improvements in some water-quality parameters, Regulation No. 18 of the Lower Silesian Voivode remains in force. The ban applies to the section of the Bóbr from the crest of Pilchowice Dam to the Rakowice reservoir.
The restrictions in force include:
- entering the water and swimming,
- watering animals,
- recreational and commercial fishing,
- using the water for commercial purposes,
- using watercraft.
Authorities’ operations continue
Ten aerators are currently operating on the river; their locations were agreed with Polish Waters and the Polish Angling Association. If oxygen conditions deteriorate, the devices may be moved to places requiring additional aeration.
TAURON Ekoenergia is also carrying out measures to limit silt runoff and reduce the amount of suspended matter in the water. Water-quality tests are performed daily at eight measuring points, and chemical analyses have additionally been commissioned for sediments deposited in the Pilchowice Reservoir.
The next announcement is due on 9 July
Polish Waters reported that no dead fish were found during Wednesday’s field inspection, and all signs informing about the ban on using the river remain in place. The situation is monitored around the clock in cooperation with the Polish Angling Association and the Social Fisheries Guard.
The next update concerning the situation on the Bóbr was announced for Thursday, 9 July, at approximately 2:00 p.m.