Water scarcity affecting economy, agriculture, infrastructure and causing fire threat
Poland urgently needs a national water security strategy, as water shortages are increasingly affecting the economy, agriculture, infrastructure, and fire risks. According to the Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs, Poland has only about 1,600 cubic meters of water per person annually, far below the EU average of over 4,500. Drought-related agricultural losses reach around PLN 6.5 billion a year, while floods, fires, insurance claims, and water-system leaks add further multibillion-zloty costs.
The proposed “blue shield” strategy would move Poland from crisis response to long-term resilience. It would focus on rebuilding wetlands and retention systems, modernizing water infrastructure, integrating water data, supporting industry and agriculture, and appointing a government water-resilience coordinator. Experts argue that investing in water security is essential for Poland’s economic stability and future safety.