Poland's Local Water Use Restrictions Tighten Amid Drought

Polish municipalities can limit the use of tap water for non‑essential purposes such as garden irrigation, filling private pools, car washing or cleaning driveways during periods of drought. Restrictions are set locally, with each gmina deciding the scope, hours and penalties.

In the town of Debrzno, water may be drawn without a water‑law permit only for ordinary domestic needs and within prescribed quantities. Separate from that, the gmina of Bukowiec (Kuyavian‑Pomeranian Voivodeship) has imposed a full‑day ban on using municipal water for garden and agricultural irrigation, limiting any such use to 18:00‑21:00 until the end of August 2026. Violations can attract fines ranging from 500 zł under the Polish Code of Petty Offences to higher amounts specified in local resolutions.