As drought conditions persist, Poland’s state water authority, Wody Polskie, has initiated a wave of nationwide inspections against illegal groundwater extraction, imposing significant fines reaching up to 766,000 PLN.
Rising Inspections and Heavy Penalties
Wody Polskie is intensifying its crackdown on unauthorized groundwater extraction, as more citizens dig illegal wells due to ongoing drought. Recent enforcement has resulted in millions of PLN in fines, with the highest single penalty reaching 766,000 PLN.
In 2025, officials issued 4,722 administrative penalty decisions, followed by 1,798 in 2026. The total value of these sanctions has already exceeded 14 million PLN.
Drought Fueling the Illegal Sector
Experts from the Polish Geological Institute warn that the scale of unrecorded groundwater consumption is spiraling out of control. In some regions, illegal extraction is estimated to reach 50 percent of the volume of registered water use.
Wody Polskie notes that increasing temperatures and prolonged dry spells are driving both farmers and private owners to seek unauthorized water sources. Consequently, protecting underground resources has become a primary target for government inspectors.
Expert Calls for Regulatory Reform
Dr. Sebastian Szklarek, an eco-hydrologist from the European Regional Centre for Ecohydrology, warns that the true extent of illegal water intake remains unknown. He suggests that simplifying procedures and implementing a basic notification system could be more effective than the current complex water permit process.
Under current regulations, water may be extracted without a permit only up to a depth of 30 meters and a volume of 5 cubic meters per day. However, persistent drought conditions are pushing many users to drill deeper and extract more water illegally.
Legal Consequences of Unauthorized Usage
Using a well after a water permit has expired or been revoked carries severe financial risks. Under the Water Law, unauthorized water usage or operating water equipment without a permit can result in fines ranging from 1,000 PLN to 7,500 PLN.
