Poland passes law allowing free legalisation of illegal wells

The Polish Sejm approved a amendment to the Water Law that creates a temporary abatement for owners of existing illegal wells. Under the new rules, farmers can submit applications to legalise wells built before the current legislation without paying the usual legalisation fee of roughly 6,600 zł or facing administrative fines that can reach up to one million zł. Applications must be filed by 31 December 2027 (originally set for 30 September 2027).

The government and vice‑ministers of infrastructure and agriculture backed the change, arguing that regularising unregistered wells will improve water‑resource management and prevent uncontrolled extraction. Agricultural organisations welcomed the move, noting that many wells were installed years ago under previous rules and that penalties of up to 60,000 zł had been imposed on some farmers.

To qualify, owners must still provide the required documentation and the wells must have been constructed before the law came into force.