Świętokrzyskie faces ongoing hydrogeological threat in Poland

The Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship in Poland remains under a hydrogeological threat status for the fifth consecutive month. The Polish Geological Institute has issued a warning effective from September 1 to September 30 due to a predicted hydrogenological depression, characterized by a long-term drop in groundwater levels below warning thresholds.

Professor Tomasz Kalicki of Jan Kochanowski University explained that the depletion is caused by lower-than-expected precipitation combined with increased evaporation and continued water consumption, meaning demand is outstripping supply. While the situation in Świętokrzyskie is slightly better than in some other regions due to higher terrain-related rainfall, there are risks of drying streams and private wells.

Experts warn that if deep reservoirs are not replenished, the region faces the risk of steppe-like desertification and long-term water shortages. Currently, a hydrogeological threat status is in effect across 15 Polish voivodeships, with the exception of Warmian-Masurian.