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Box 7: Uncontrolled sewage at the Arturówek bathing water (Poland)

The Arturówek bathing water is located in Poland, on the northern part of Łódź at the edge of Łagiewnicki Forest. It holds three reservoirs, with two adapted for bathing purposes and hiring of water recreation equipment. The Arturówek ponds are an important place of recreation for inhabitants of Łódź, as well as one of the major tourist sites during the holiday period.

There were several uncontrolled sewage discharges in the river catchment upstream of these reservoirs. Since the sewage was washed down by the rainwater and snowmelt to the Bzura river and reservoirs, the quality of this bathing water was heavily impacted.

Since all previous attempts to improve water quality of the ponds (such as the removal of bottom sediments) only improved the situation temporarily, a systemic approach was taken within the ‘Ecohydrological rehabilitation EU LIFE’ project. Technical measures implemented under this project (e.g. desludging its bottom to remove nutrients, or implementation of a novel wastewater treatment technology of sequential biofiltration to reduce the load of organic pollution from sewage) improved the water quality and overall attractiveness of the Arturówek site. This demonstrates the application of the eco-hydrological methods to sustainable water management in urban areas, involving both the public and decision makers. Finally, it establishes the basis for the rehabilitation of key water systems in Łódź under the Water Framework Directive.

In 2018, the Arturówek ponds were finally reopened for bathing after eight years. Even though a BWD water quality classification is not yet possible, the monitoring results are already now showing a gradual improvement of bathing water quality.