# Poland drought intensifies as Vistula hits record lows

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/poland-drought-water-withdrawal-limits
> Updated: 2026-08-10T01:05:48.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 4.

Poland’s prolonged drought has triggered emergency water-use restrictions and historic low water levels. To protect groundwater, the State Water Holding Wody Polskie and local authorities in municipalities like Żerków and Gmina Łapsze Niżne have enforced limits on unlicensed water extraction. Individuals and farmers may only draw up to 5 m³ per day for domestic or agricultural use without a permit; any larger volume or use for non-essential purposes, such as filling pools, requires official licensing. Additionally, private wells exceeding 30 meters in depth must be permitted.

The Vistula River has reached critical lows. While Warsaw’s drinking water supply remains secure due to an infiltration system, the river continues to hit historic minimums. By 10 August, water levels at the Bulwary station in Warsaw fluctuated between 102 and 103 cm. In Toruń, levels dropped to 84 cm, marking the lowest point in recorded history and surpassing previous records. At the Annopol station, the water level reached 160 cm, the lowest recorded in over 70 years.

The Institute of Meteorology and Water Management (IMGW-PIB) reports that 78 hydrological drought warnings are currently in effect across the country. Experts attribute the crisis to a lack of precipitation combined with high temperatures and increased evaporation. These conditions are expected to persist for several weeks or potentially until autumn, with an increased risk of forest fires reported alongside the water shortage. The low flow has also severely limited river navigation and forced hydroelectric plants like Połaniec to curtail output.

Regional impacts include the Zalew Sulejowski reservoir hitting its lowest level in seven years, grounding boats and impacting tourism. In Mszana Dolna, authorities have implemented night-time supply cuts and allocated 15 million złoty for infrastructure upgrades, while Beskid communities in the Silesian region continue to face temporary supply interruptions.

## Claims

- Hydrologists lowered the Vistula's zero point by 100 cm after last year's record low. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Forecasts predict further decline in Vistula water levels over the coming weeks. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Vistula water level at Warsaw-Bulwary station is about 110-111 cm. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Mszana Dolna municipal water supply has been limited with night‑time cuts. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Mszana Dolna allocated 15 million zloty for water infrastructure investments. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Historic minimum Vistula level in Warsaw was 4 cm recorded in 2025. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Zalew Sulejowski water level on 20 July was 165.54 m, the lowest in seven years. (single source)
- Boats and equipment at Barkowice marina became stuck in mud due to low water. (single source)
- Outflow from Zalew Sulejowski exceeds inflow, leading to a systematic decline in water level. (single source)
- Vistula River water level in Warsaw was about 110‑111 cm, near historic low, only 7 cm above the record. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Vistula River hits record low levels across Poland

The Vistula River is hitting historic lows in Toruń and Warsaw due to a severe hydrological drought in Poland, prompting widespread warnings and increased forest fire risks.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/vistula-river-hits-record-low-levels-across-poland

### 2026-08-03: Poland's Vistula River Nears Record Low Amid Widespread Water Shortages

Poland's Vistula River in Warsaw sits at 110‑111 cm, near a 2025 record low, with forecasts of further decline. Drought, sand mining and degraded river works worsen ecosystem health and navigation. Municipales,

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/poland-grapples-with-severe-water-shortages-in-towns-reservoirs-and-the-vistula

### 2026-07-29: Poland's Local Authorities Clarify 5‑Cubic‑Meter Daily Water Withdrawal Limit Without Permit

Polish towns Żerków and Gmina Łapsze Niżne state that up to 5 m³ of water per day can be taken without a permit; deeper wells or higher usage require licensing amid drought concerns.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-local-authorities-clarify-5cubicmeter-daily-water-withdrawal-limit-without-permit

### 2026-07-27: Poland's Water Authority Sets Limits on Unlicensed Water Withdrawal Amid Drought

Poland's Water Authority warns that unpermitted water withdrawals must stay below 5 m³ per day and wells deeper than 30 m need a permit, aiming to curb drought‑related groundwater loss.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/polands-water-authority-sets-limits-on-unlicensed-water-withdrawal-amid-drought

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Cite as: Poland drought intensifies as Vistula hits record lows. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/poland-drought-water-withdrawal-limits