Poland to grant amnesty for up to half‑million unregistered wells

Polish authorities estimate that between 100,000 and 500,000 wells have been built without the required registration under the Water Law. Detection of an illegal well triggers a legalization procedure costing more than 6,600 zł and administrative fines ranging from 5,000 zł up to 1 million zł. In 2025‑2026, penalties totalling over 14 million zł were imposed, with the highest single fine exceeding 766,000 zł.

A bill amending the Water Law, already approved by both chambers of parliament, proposes a "water amnesty" that would allow owners of unregistered wells to legalize them without fees or fines, provided a complete application is submitted within 1.5 years of the law’s entry into force. The amendment now awaits the President’s signature.

The government plans to increase the share of field inspections focused on groundwater extraction from roughly 20 % to 25 % in 2026, reflecting concerns about declining surface‑water resources amid longer dry periods and higher temperatures.