# Water level declines in Polish lakes and reservoirs

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/water-level-declines-in-polish-lakes-and-reservoirs
> Updated: 2026-09-25T17:30:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

Significant declines in water levels across various Polish lakes and reservoirs have caused environmental and historical disruptions. In Jezioro Żywieckie and Jezioro Czorsztyńskie, receding waters have exposed debris, dead mussels, and the ruins of the submerged village of Stare Maniowy. Experts attribute these declines to high temperatures, low inflow, and evaporation.

Similar conditions have been observed at the Pałecznica reservoir, where a receding shoreline has exposed a seabed covered in thousands of mussel shells. The drop in water has stranded some living mollusks on dry ground, while others have been seen attempting to move toward deeper areas.

In Czorsztyn Lake, water levels have dropped to exceptionally low values, revealing the outlines of the Stare Maniowy settlement, which was dismantled nearly three decades ago before the reservoir was filled. Local officials have issued warnings to the public to exercise extreme caution, noting that the exposed lake bed is unstable and muddy. They cautioned that a thin crust of sediment may hide deep mud that could act as a “deadly trap” for pedestrians. This decline is attributed to drought, high temperatures, and water management practices on the Dunajec River, reflecting a broader negative water balance in the Vistula river basin.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-25: Czorsztyn Lake water levels drop, revealing submerged village

Record low water levels in Czorsztyn Lake have revealed the remains of the submerged village of Stare Maniowy, prompting safety warnings due to unstable and dangerous lake bed conditions.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/czorsztyn-lake-water-levels-drop-revealing-submerged-village

### 2026-09-20: Pałecznica reservoir water levels drop, exposing mussel shells

The water level in the Pałecznica reservoir has dropped significantly, exposing a seabed covered in mussel shells and leaving some living mollusks stranded.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/paecznica-reservoir-water-levels-drop-exposing-mussel-shells

### 2026-09-16: Water levels drop in Polish lakes, exposing ruins and debris

Receding water levels in Poland's Jezioro Żywieckie and Jezioro Czorsztyńskie are exposing debris, dead mussels, and the submerged ruins of the historic village Stare Maniowy.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/water-levels-drop-in-polish-lakes-exposing-ruins-and-debris

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Cite as: Water level declines in Polish lakes and reservoirs. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/water-level-declines-in-polish-lakes-and-reservoirs