60
Z. Michalczyk and J. Sposób
4.5 Summary and Conclusions
The territory of Poland is characterised by relatively low water resources at the European scale. This results from the amount of precipitation and evapotranspiration, and
their seasonal variability. Mean outflow in Polish rivers in the period 1901–2000 was
61.5 km
3 , and that from the area of Poland equalled 53.9 km
3 . The value corresponds
to the layer of outflow of 175.2 mm and unitary outflow of 5.56 dm
3 ·s
−1 ·km
−2 . The
outflow of rivers, expressed both in the outflow layer and per resident, is among the
lowest in Europe.
Water resources of Poland are directly related to the features of the natural environment, particularly the hydrogeological and climatic conditions. They determine
the amount of resources and their temporal and spatial variability. This is of particular importance in the observed climate changes that will affect the renewability of
groundwaters and surface waters, especially in the conditions of increasing uncertainty of precipitation. Particular importance is gained by groundwater resources,
showing higher inertia in the conditions of changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration. They can satisfy the water needs of the population and economy with
respect for the rules of sustainable use of waters.
In the context of the occurring climatic changes, measures aimed at water retention
in the catchment are recommended. Changes in the conditions of water circulation
and outflow should be towards its retention in the soil and bedrock, leading to a
decrease in surface runoff and an increase in exploitable resources in catchments.
In addition to the construction of retention reservoirs, this purpose can be met by
changes in the land use structure – particularly through forestation of areas with high
slope inclination, application of suitable agrotechnical measures, and observing the
term of their performance, as well as the construction of corrective steps slowing
down water outflow.
All resources, of both surface and groundwaters, are subject to strong human
pressure leading to their quantitative and qualitative transformations. They result
from an increase in the water needs accompanying an increase in the standard of
life and development of industrial infrastructure and raw material extraction. It is
important to reduce the consumption levels at every stage of its use, i.e. in households,
and particularly in the industry and agriculture. The level of exploitation, especially
on the regional scale, should not endanger the stability of low flows and natural
functioning of hydrogenic ecosystems. The water safety of the country requires the
maintenance of the quantity and quality of water resources on a good level and
effective protection against the effects of drought and floods.
4.6 Recommendation
In the aspect of climate change and low water resources, actions aiming at improvement of water balance structure of in Poland, mainly reduction of water losses and
increase of retention, are necessary. Changes of water outflow conditions show cause
Z. Michalczyk and J. Sposób
4.5 Summary and Conclusions
The territory of Poland is characterised by relatively low water resources at the European scale. This results from the amount of precipitation and evapotranspiration, and
their seasonal variability. Mean outflow in Polish rivers in the period 1901–2000 was
61.5 km
3 , and that from the area of Poland equalled 53.9 km
3 . The value corresponds
to the layer of outflow of 175.2 mm and unitary outflow of 5.56 dm
3 ·s
−1 ·km
−2 . The
outflow of rivers, expressed both in the outflow layer and per resident, is among the
lowest in Europe.
Water resources of Poland are directly related to the features of the natural environment, particularly the hydrogeological and climatic conditions. They determine
the amount of resources and their temporal and spatial variability. This is of particular importance in the observed climate changes that will affect the renewability of
groundwaters and surface waters, especially in the conditions of increasing uncertainty of precipitation. Particular importance is gained by groundwater resources,
showing higher inertia in the conditions of changes in precipitation and evapotranspiration. They can satisfy the water needs of the population and economy with
respect for the rules of sustainable use of waters.
In the context of the occurring climatic changes, measures aimed at water retention
in the catchment are recommended. Changes in the conditions of water circulation
and outflow should be towards its retention in the soil and bedrock, leading to a
decrease in surface runoff and an increase in exploitable resources in catchments.
In addition to the construction of retention reservoirs, this purpose can be met by
changes in the land use structure – particularly through forestation of areas with high
slope inclination, application of suitable agrotechnical measures, and observing the
term of their performance, as well as the construction of corrective steps slowing
down water outflow.
All resources, of both surface and groundwaters, are subject to strong human
pressure leading to their quantitative and qualitative transformations. They result
from an increase in the water needs accompanying an increase in the standard of
life and development of industrial infrastructure and raw material extraction. It is
important to reduce the consumption levels at every stage of its use, i.e. in households,
and particularly in the industry and agriculture. The level of exploitation, especially
on the regional scale, should not endanger the stability of low flows and natural
functioning of hydrogenic ecosystems. The water safety of the country requires the
maintenance of the quantity and quality of water resources on a good level and
effective protection against the effects of drought and floods.
4.6 Recommendation
In the aspect of climate change and low water resources, actions aiming at improvement of water balance structure of in Poland, mainly reduction of water losses and
increase of retention, are necessary. Changes of water outflow conditions show cause