Water levels drop in Polish lakes, exposing ruins and debris

Significant water level declines in Polish lakes, specifically Jezioro Żywieckie and Jezioro Czorsztyńskie, are causing environmental and historical disruptions.

At Jezioro Żywieckie, the receding water has created massive shorelines and exposed debris, including thousands of dead mussels that are producing unpleasant odors. The rapid drop in water levels—reported to be decreasing by approximately 5 cm daily—has created hazards for navigation, prompting local sailing clubs to advise members to remove vessels from the water. Experts attribute this decline to high temperatures, low inflow, and evaporation.

At Jezioro Czorsztyńskie, the low water levels have revealed the remains of Stare Maniowy, a village that was submerged in the 1990s following the construction of a dam on the Dunajec river. Visible remnants include building foundations and road fragments. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of weather conditions, such as prolonged lack of precipitation and high temperatures, alongside regional water management practices.