2025, Kałuża, Tomasz, Laks, Ireneusz, Kanclerz, Jolanta, Janicka-Kubiak, Ewelina, Hammerling, Mateusz, Zaborowski, Stanisław

The planned construction of a steam–gas unit at the Adamów Power Plant raises questions about the potential hydrological impact on the neighboring Natura 2000 protected areas, particularly the Middle Warta Valley (PLB300002) and the Jeziorsko Reservoir (PLB100002). These ecosystems play a key role in protecting bird habitats and biodiversity, and any changes in water management can affect their condition. This paper presents a detailed hydrological analysis of the Warta River and Jeziorsko Reservoir for 2018–2022, with a focus on low-flow periods. The Peak Over Threshold (POT) method and Q70% threshold were used to identify the frequency, length, and seasonality of low-flow periods in three water gauge profiles: Uniejów, Koło, and Sławsk. The longest recorded low-flow episode lasted 167 days. The permissible water intake for the investment (up to 0.8 m3∙s–1) is in accordance with the applicable permits and is used mainly for cooling purposes. Calculations indicate that under maximum intake conditions, the water level reduction in the Jeziorsko Reservoir would be between 1.7 and 2.0 mm∙day–1, depending on the current level of filling. Such changes do not disrupt the natural functions of the reservoir under typical conditions, although during prolonged droughts, they can pose a threat to protected areas. An analysis of the impact of periodic water overflow into the Kiełbaska Duża River indicates its negligible effect on water levels in the reservoir and flows in the Warta River. The results underscore the need for the integrated management of water and power resources, considering the increasing variability in hydrological conditions. Ensuring a balance between industrial needs and environmental protection is key to minimizing the potential impact of investments and implementing sustainable development principles.

2024, Zaborowski, Stanisław, Kałuża, Tomasz, Jusik, Szymon, Dysarz, Tomasz, Hammerling, Mateusz

In Europe, the routes of most watercourses were straightened and shortened, leading to the destruction and degradation of many natural environments. Currently, in places where it is possible, as part of the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, efforts are made to improve environmental sustainability, including improving the ecological condition of rivers. This paper presents the impact of three in-stream deflectors on changes in the section of a small lowland river—the Flinta (Poland)—where (from 2018 to 2023) detailed, systematic geodetic, and hydrometric research and an assessment of the ecological conditions were carried out. The presented results show the influence of deflectors on the initiation of fluvial processes in the transverse and longitudinal layouts of the channel. The river channel was narrowed from 6 to 5 m, and the current line shifted by almost 3 m. Changes were observed in the distribution of velocities and shear stresses, varying along the surveyed section of the river. In the first year after their application, an increase in velocity at the deflectors can be observed (from 0.2 m∙s−1 to 0.6 m∙s−1 in the deflector cross-section). In the following years, on the other hand, a clear decrease in velocity was observed in the sections between the deflectors (to 0.3 m∙s−1). The introduction of deflectors resulted in a significant increase in the values of shear stresses (from an average value of 0.0241 N∙m−2 in 2018 to 0.2761 N∙m−2 in 2023) and local roughness coefficients (from 0.045 s∙m−1/3 before the introduction of the deflectors to 0.070 s∙m−1/3 in 2023). Based on analyses of sediment samples, erosion and accumulation of bottom material were initially observed, followed by a subsequent stabilisation of particle size. Differences in grain size were observed, especially in the cross-section of the deflectors (increase in granularity d50% downstream of the deflector from 0.31 mm to 3.9 mm already 2 years after the introduction of deflectors). This study confirmed the positive impact of using deflectors on hydromorphological processes as deflectors facilitate the achievement of a good ecological status, as required by the WFD. The innovation of this paper lies in demonstrating the possibility of using small, simple structures to initiate and intensify fluvial processes, which may contribute to improving the ecological conditions of watercourses.

2023, Zaborowski, Stanisław, Kałuża, Tomasz, Rybacki, Maksymilian, Radecki-Pawlik, Artur

2024, Kałuża, Tomasz, Kanclerz, Jolanta, Hammerling, Mateusz, Janicka-Kubiak, Ewelina, Zaborowski, Stanisław

In the vicinity of the Adamów power plant, which operates in the catchment area of the Kiełbaska river, there is a significant shortage of water resources caused by the intensive use of water by the energy industry and agriculture. The development of the plant by replacing the outdated coal-fired (lignite-fired) units with modern gas and steam units may contribute significantly to reducing the negative impact on the environment and reduce the demand for water resources relative to coal technology. Gas and steam units are a much more energy-efficient technology. This implies a lower demand for water, a reduction in pollutant emissions, and greater operational flexibility, which enables the units to adapt to changing hydrological and environmental conditions. The high efficiency of these units limits the need for frequent water-refilling, while allowing for a more sustainable and stable production of energy. Based on an analysis of hydrological data for the years 2019–2023, it was estimated that water stress is observed in this catchment area on 198 days per year, which accounts for c.a. 54% of the hydrological year. Therefore, it is assumed that inter-catchment pumping stations with a flow of 0.347 m3∙s−1 will be required. This sets the demand for water at 5.95 million m3 per year. The planned water transfer will be carried out from Jeziorsko reservoir on the Warta river through the catchment area of Teleszyna river. Moreover, there are plans for the reconstruction of the layout of Kiełbaska Duża and Teleszyna rivers, which would involve the restoration of natural run-offs, following the discontinuation of open-pit lignite mining. This will additionally be supported by the reduced demand for water in the water use system when using the modernised power plant. The analysed data made it possible to develop hydrological scenarios that take the future reduction in water stress into account by implementing plans to restore the former hydrographic system in the region. These investments would also foresee the creation of new retention reservoirs (in former mining pits) with a capacity of nearly 900 million m3, which will significantly increase the region’s water resources and retention potential, supporting hydrological and energy security for the years to come.

2025, Kałuża, Tomasz, Hammerling, Mateusz, Zaborowski, Stanisław, Pawlak, Maciej

Beavers play a key role in creating temporary water reservoirs that significantly impact the natural environment and local river hydrology. The primary aim of this study was to assess the potential of increasing the number of beaver dams (Castor spp.), as an alternative method of water retention in the environment. Research conducted on three small lowland streams in central Poland revealed that beaver dams, even in modified riverbeds, enable the formation of shallow floodplains and ponds. Innovative analyses considered the structural materials of the dams and their impact on river hydromorphology and sediment transport. The findings emphasise the importance of beavers in water retention processes, the stabilisation of water levels during low flows and the protection of biodiversity. The study also demonstrated that beaver dams play a critical role in storing surface- and groundwater, mitigating drought impacts, reducing surface runoff, and stabilising river flows. These constructions influence local hydrology by increasing soil moisture, extending water retention times, and creating habitats for numerous species. The collected data highlight the potential of beaver dams as a tool in water resource management in the context of climate change. Further research could provide guidance for the sustainable utilisation of beavers in environmental conservation strategies and landscape planning.