On Friday, August 22, the Vistula River’s water level near Warsaw’s boulevards reached 10 cm, setting a new record and marking the second such occurrence in 2023. The river had previously dropped to 13 cm in early July, with the last record at 20 cm in 2022.
Water Level and the 10 cm Threshold
The Vistula River’s water level near Warsaw’s boulevards has now reached 10 cm, setting a new record. This is the second time this year such a low level has been recorded, following a drop to 13 cm in early July. The previous record was established just last year at 20 cm. Notably, the water level gauge does not directly indicate the river’s depth, as the riverbed is irregular. While the gauge shows 10 cm, sections of the river may have depths of 2 or 3 meters.
Impact on River Usage
Low water levels significantly affect the river’s usability. For instance, ferries operating in Warsaw, which shuttle people across the Vistula, cannot function under such conditions. Access to Praski Port (a key location for the River Police Headquarters) is also compromised, as the channel leading to the port has nearly dried up. Motorboats typically stationed at the port were found stranded along the riverbank this week.
Industrial Sand Mining and Erosion
The mismatch between water level and flow highlights deeper issues. Industrial sand extraction, as highlighted by Warsaw councilor Jan Mencwel in his 2022 documentary *Hydrozagadka*, exacerbates riverbed erosion and lowers water levels. Even if the river’s flow (volume of water) is not record-low, these activities contribute to an alarming drop in water levels, as seen this year.
Drought in Poland
While the Vistula’s flow has not hit a record low, it remains critically low for the second time this year, signaling a severe drought. These conditions extend beyond Warsaw, affecting much of Poland—particularly the Vistula and its tributaries. The drought progresses through stages: forests and fields first dry, followed by smaller streams and rivers, and finally the Vistula itself.
Hydrological Drought Alarms in August
By late August, hydrological drought was officially declared in over a dozen regions of Poland, especially in the south and east. Drought alerts are in effect across large parts of the Vistula Basin. This situation is not surprising given regional rainfall data: most of Poland received 50% less rainfall than usual in August, with some areas, like the Mazovia region, receiving only 10–20% of monthly norms. No improvement is expected in the near future, as high temperatures (over 30°C in much of Poland) will continue into early September, with forecasts predicting dry and warm conditions.
Climate Change and Water Management
Climate change is intensifying droughts in Poland. While annual rainfall totals have remained relatively stable, two key shifts are occurring. First, milder winters with less snow reduce spring meltwater reserves, leading to increased winter runoff and evaporation. Second, rainfall patterns have grown more extreme, with heavy downpours replacing gradual water absorption in the landscape. Poor water retention infrastructure, such as drainage ditches, further accelerates water loss, as seen this summer. Despite heavy July rains in some regions, water was quickly lost, contributing to the current drought across Poland.
Source: Gazeta, [next.gazeta.pl/next/7, 172392, 30947911, rzeka-pod-warszawa-zniknela-w-oczach-wystarczyl-goracy-tydzien.html]
