Water Management Reform in Poland: A Step Toward Ecodevelopment

Abstract

A framework for water management reform is included in Poland's new Water Law, which is currently under discussion in the lower house of Parliament. The new system will decentralize water management in Poland, create more efficient control and enforcement structures, establish a new water resources assessment system, and allow for increased public involvement in water-related decision making. The core of the new structure will be river basin-based Water Management Boards with broad authorities, controlled by the Water Councils with public participation. The Boards' water management responsi bilities will be separate from control and enforcement. To meet expectations associated with the reform, the new system has to integrate surface and groundwater resources management and different competencies in administering waters. The reform's water protection mechanisms must include pollu tion prevention. The public must have a means of playing an active role in local and regional water-related decision making.